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Vitamin A - Deficiency Symptoms

Date reviewed: 5 July 2015 | Date updated: 5 July 2015

Deficiency of vitamin A occurs when blood levels are less than 10mcg / litre of blood.

A deficiency of vitamin A may lead to eye problems with dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, dry skin and hair, night blindness as well as poor growth. Dry itchy eyes that tire easily are normally a warning of too little vitamin A.

If the deficiency becomes severe, the cornea can ulcerate and permanent blindness can follow. The hair and scalp can also become dry with a deficiency, especially if protein is also lacking. Insomnia, fatigue and reproductive difficulties may also be indicative of vitamin A is in short supply.

General symptoms of vitamin A deficiency are:

• Acne
• Diarrhoea
• Dry hair and scalp
• Dry, itchy eyes
• Dry, rough skin
• Eczema
• Frequent colds and respiratory infections
• Poor bone growth
• Eyesight problems
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Lack of tear secretion
• Night blindness
• Reproductive problems
• Sinusitis
• Skin problems (not just facial)
• Slowed growth
• Slowed healing from injury
• Ulcerated cornea and blindness (extremely severe deficiency)
• Weakened tooth enamel
• Weight loss

People with any of these symptoms should seek advice from their medical practitioner to determine if vitamin A supplementation is warranted in their individual situation.

Major symptoms of vitamin A deficiency are :

• abscesses forming in the ear
• sinusitis
• frequent cold and respiratory infections, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), bronchitis
• skin disorders, such as acne, eczema, boils and a bumpy skin

People with any of these symptoms should seek advice from their medical practitioner to determine if vitamin A supplementation is warranted in their individual situation.

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