disorders of nutrition
Vitamin A Deficiency
Introduction
Vitamin Adeficiency can result from a diet low invitamin Aor an absorption or liver disorder. Night blindness is an early symptom. Blindness can eventually develop. The eyes, skin, and other tissues become dry and damaged, and infections develop more often. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and blood tests. Taking high doses ofvitamin Afor several days corrects the deficiency. include fish liver oils, liver, egg yolks, butter, cream, and fortified milk. (See also Overview of Vitamins .) Carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, are pigments in fruits and vegetables that give them their yellow, orange, or red color. Once consumed, carotenoids are slowly converted tovitamin Ain the body. Carotenoids are best absorbed from cooked or homogenized vegetables served with some fat or oil. Good sources of carotenoids are dark green, yellow, and orange vegetables and yellow and orange fruits. 