5 Reasons why Children become Deficient of Vitamin A and lead to Poor EyeSight

Vitamin A, also known as the eye health saver is extremely vital for accurate bodily functions. Also acknowledged as the fat-soluble vitamin- Vitamin A can do more than just improving your vision. Right from boosting your immunity, reproduction to supple skin health- vitamin A takes care of many internal body functions. Vitamin A is found in two forms, retinol and beta-carotene. Going in line with the facts, today, deficiency of Vitamin A is the most prevalent among children and further causes various health complexities like poor eyesight, impaired immunity and slow overall development.

As per the statistics, today, more than one-third of children require supplementation of Vitamin A and but are not receiving it on time which substantially contributes to various morbidities. Micronutrients like Vitamin A are required by the body in very small proportions but deficiencies of such nutrients can lead to life-threatening diseases, hampering normal growth and development. As per the World Health Organization “Vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem affecting about one-third of children aged 6 to 59 months in 2013.”The early symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency in the children include xerophthalmia (dry eye), night blindness and corneal/conjunctival xerosis, Bitot’s spots, and keratomalacia.

The reasons?

The major five reasons behind the Vitamin A deficiency in children includes: Maternal Vitamin A deficiency, Inadequate dietary intake, Fat Mal-absorption, Existing health disorders, Decreased availability of provitamin A carotenoids.

Maternal vitamin A deficiency results in the low content of vitamin A in breast milk which further leads to low intake of this nutrient in the children during and after weaning. Similarly, prolonged inadequate dietary intake can also result in beta-carotene in children, further affecting eye health and other functions in the body. Interference in the absorption of Vitamin A due to some prevalent illness or due to fats is another reason behind the deficiency of Vitamin A in the body. Common diseases that hamper the storage of Vitamin A in children include celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic insufficiency, duodenal bypass, chronic diarrhoea, bile duct obstruction, giardiasis, and cirrhosis. Treating defective transportation is the key to solve the problem. Try to consult a doctor if your children are suffering from problems for a longer period of time.

As per the stats, from the total of children who were suffering from Vitamin A deficiency, only 61% of children were reached and provided with the supplementation in 2018. A lot of areas in the developing countries are still suffering from the dearth of essential food items which directly contribute to deficiencies and morbidities.

Footnote

Take care of your children’s diet and try to incorporate naturally wholesome foods in their diet to save them from any health complications. High levels of Vitamin A are found in foods like green leafy vegetables, milk, spinach, broccoli, mangoes and many others. Do consult a doctor before providing any supplementation to your children.