8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency You Should Know

Vitamin A is a crucial fat-soluble nutrient that plays vital roles in maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, promoting reproductive health, and ensuring proper skin maintenance. When your body doesn’t receive adequate amounts of this essential vitamin, various symptoms can emerge that significantly impact your overall health and wellbeing.

This essential nutrient comes in two primary forms in our diet: preformed vitamin A (retinol), which is found in animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, and provitamin A carotenoids, which are present in colorful plant foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and other red, orange, yellow, and green vegetables and fruits.

While vitamin A deficiency is uncommon in developed countries like the United States, certain populations remain at higher risk. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, young children, and individuals with conditions affecting nutrient absorption, such as cystic fibrosis or chronic diarrhea, are particularly vulnerable to developing deficiency.

Understanding the warning signs of vitamin A deficiency can help you identify potential problems early and take appropriate action. Here are eight important signs and symptoms to watch for.

1. Dry and Rough Skin

One of the most noticeable signs of vitamin A deficiency is changes in your skin texture and appearance. Vitamin A plays a fundamental role in the creation and repair of skin cells throughout your body. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help protect your skin from various irritations and conditions.

When vitamin A levels drop too low, you may notice your skin becoming unusually dry, rough, or flaky. In some cases, this deficiency can contribute to the development or worsening of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, characterized by patches of dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.

Clinical research has demonstrated that adequate vitamin A levels are essential for maintaining healthy skin barrier function. The vitamin helps regulate oil production in the skin and supports the natural shedding of dead skin cells, preventing buildup that can lead to clogged pores and rough texture.

While many factors can cause dry skin, including environmental conditions, age, and other nutritional deficiencies, persistent skin dryness that doesn’t respond to typical moisturizing treatments may warrant checking your vitamin A status.

2. Dry Eyes and Vision Problems

Perhaps the most well-documented consequence of vitamin A deficiency involves eye health. Your eyes require adequate vitamin A to produce rhodopsin, a protein that enables your retina to absorb light, particularly in low-light conditions.

One of the earliest signs of vitamin A deficiency is dry eyes, also known as xerophthalmia. This condition occurs when your eyes cannot produce sufficient tears to keep them properly lubricated. You may experience a gritty sensation, redness, or discomfort, especially in environments with air conditioning or wind.

In severe cases, vitamin A deficiency can lead to more serious eye problems, including the development of Bitot’s spots—distinctive foamy patches on the white part of the eye. If left untreated, the deficiency can progress to corneal ulceration and even complete blindness, making it a leading cause of preventable blindness in developing countries.

Children are particularly vulnerable to eye problems resulting from vitamin A deficiency, especially in regions where dietary sources of the vitamin are limited. Supplementation programs in at-risk populations have proven highly effective in preventing these serious complications.

3. Night Blindness

Night blindness, or nyctalopia, represents another early warning sign of vitamin A deficiency. This condition makes it difficult or impossible to see in dim light or darkness, significantly impacting daily activities like driving at night or navigating poorly lit spaces.

The connection between vitamin A and night vision is direct and well-established. Vitamin A is converted into retinal, a component of rhodopsin, which is essential for low-light vision. When vitamin A levels are insufficient, your eyes cannot produce enough rhodopsin, resulting in difficulty adapting to darkness.

Research conducted in various developing nations has revealed high rates of night blindness among populations with limited access to vitamin A-rich foods. Studies have shown that providing vitamin A through either dietary sources or supplementation can dramatically improve night vision, with some research indicating improvement in dark adaptation ability by more than 50% within weeks of beginning treatment.

If you notice increasing difficulty seeing in dim lighting, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms on this list, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider about the possibility of vitamin A deficiency.

4. Fertility Issues and Complications During Pregnancy

Vitamin A is essential for reproductive health in both men and women, playing critical roles in fertility, conception, and fetal development. Inadequate vitamin A intake can contribute to difficulties conceiving and maintaining pregnancy.

In women, vitamin A deficiency has been associated with reduced fertility and an increased risk of pregnancy complications. The vitamin is necessary for proper egg development and implantation. Some research has found associations between low vitamin A levels and recurrent miscarriages, suggesting the nutrient’s importance in maintaining healthy pregnancy.

For men, vitamin A appears to play a role in sperm production and quality. The vitamin functions as an antioxidant, helping protect reproductive cells from oxidative damage. Studies suggest that men with fertility issues may have lower vitamin A levels or increased oxidative stress that could be partially addressed through improved nutrition.

Vitamin A is also crucial for fetal development, supporting the growth of multiple organ systems including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and eyes. However, it’s important to note that both too little and too much vitamin A during pregnancy can cause problems, so pregnant women should work closely with healthcare providers to ensure appropriate intake.

5. Stunted Growth in Children

Children require adequate vitamin A for proper growth and development. The vitamin plays important roles in bone growth, cell differentiation, and overall physical development. When children don’t receive sufficient vitamin A, they may experience slower growth rates compared to their peers.

Research conducted in developing countries has demonstrated that vitamin A supplementation can improve growth outcomes in children with deficiency. Studies involving thousands of children have found measurable improvements in height and weight following vitamin A intervention programs.

Interestingly, research suggests that vitamin A works synergistically with other nutrients to support optimal growth. Children who receive multiple vitamins and minerals together often show better growth outcomes than those receiving vitamin A alone, highlighting the importance of overall nutritional adequacy for development.

Parents and caregivers should ensure children receive varied diets including both animal-based vitamin A sources and colorful fruits and vegetables containing carotenoids to support healthy growth patterns.

6. Frequent Respiratory Infections

Your immune system depends on vitamin A to function properly, and deficiency can increase susceptibility to infections, particularly those affecting the respiratory tract. Vitamin A helps maintain the integrity of mucous membranes lining your respiratory passages, which serve as a first line of defense against pathogens.

When vitamin A levels are low, these protective barriers may become compromised, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to cause infections in the throat, chest, and lungs. You may find yourself experiencing more frequent colds, bronchitis, or other respiratory illnesses.

The relationship between vitamin A and respiratory infections is complex. Some research suggests that supplementation may help reduce infection rates in undernourished populations, while other studies indicate that supplements should only be given when true deficiency exists, as excess supplementation in those with adequate levels might not provide benefits.

Maintaining adequate vitamin A through a balanced diet appears to be the best approach for supporting respiratory health and immune function in most people.

7. Slow Wound Healing

If you notice that cuts, scrapes, or surgical wounds take longer than expected to heal, vitamin A deficiency could be a contributing factor. This nutrient is essential for wound healing through multiple mechanisms.

Vitamin A promotes collagen production, a protein that forms the structural foundation of skin tissue. Adequate collagen is necessary for wounds to close properly and form strong scar tissue. The vitamin also supports the inflammatory response needed for wound healing and encourages the formation of new blood vessels to supply healing tissues.

Both dietary intake of vitamin A and topical application of vitamin A compounds have shown promise in supporting wound healing. Research indicates that vitamin A can help counteract some factors that typically impair healing, such as steroid use or certain chronic conditions.

If you experience poor wound healing along with other symptoms of vitamin A deficiency, discussing your nutritional status with a healthcare provider is advisable.

8. Acne and Other Skin Breakouts

The connection between vitamin A and acne has been recognized for decades. Vitamin A helps regulate skin cell production and turnover, reduces inflammation, and influences oil gland activity—all factors that play roles in acne development.

Research has found that people with acne often have lower blood levels of vitamin A compared to those with clear skin. The difference can be quite significant, suggesting that inadequate vitamin A may contribute to acne susceptibility in some individuals.

Many acne treatments are based on vitamin A derivatives, which work by normalizing skin cell development, reducing inflammation, and preventing pore blockages. However, these medications can have significant side effects and should only be used under medical supervision. If you’re considering treatment for acne, consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider rather than attempting to self-treat with high-dose vitamin A supplements.

Ensuring adequate dietary vitamin A intake through a balanced diet may help support overall skin health, though acne is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors.

Understanding Vitamin A Toxicity

While this article focuses on deficiency, it’s equally important to understand that excessive vitamin A intake can be harmful. Vitamin A toxicity, or hypervitaminosis A, typically occurs from taking high-dose supplements over extended periods rather than from diet alone.

Because vitamin A is fat-soluble, excess amounts are stored in the liver rather than excreted, potentially accumulating to toxic levels. Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity can include vision changes, bone pain, dry and rough skin, mouth ulcers, confusion, and liver damage.

Pregnant women must be particularly careful about vitamin A intake, as excessive amounts can cause serious birth defects. This is why healthcare providers typically recommend that pregnant women avoid high-dose vitamin A supplements and limit consumption of foods very high in preformed vitamin A, such as liver.

The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin A is 700 micrograms RAE (retinol activity equivalents) for adult women and 900 micrograms RAE for adult men. Nursing mothers need slightly more, while children require less depending on their age. These amounts can typically be obtained through a varied diet without supplementation.

Who Is at Risk for Vitamin A Deficiency?

While vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States and other developed nations, certain groups face higher risk:

• Premature infants who may have low vitamin A stores at birth
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women who have increased nutritional needs
• Young children, particularly those with limited dietary variety
• People with fat malabsorption disorders including Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic disorders, and cirrhosis
• Individuals following very restrictive diets that eliminate both animal products and colorful vegetables
• People with chronic diarrhea which can impair nutrient absorption
• Those with alcohol use disorder which affects nutrient absorption and storage

If you fall into any of these categories, discuss vitamin A status with your healthcare provider to determine whether testing or supplementation might be appropriate.

Getting Enough Vitamin A Through Diet

The best way to maintain adequate vitamin A levels is through a varied, balanced diet that includes both animal-based and plant-based sources.

Excellent sources of preformed vitamin A (retinol) include:

• Liver and organ meats (though should be consumed in moderation due to high vitamin A content)
• Fish and fish oils
• Eggs, particularly egg yolks
• Dairy products including milk, cheese, and butter
• Fortified foods such as cereals and plant-based milk alternatives

Rich sources of provitamin A carotenoids include:

• Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes
• Carrots and carrot juice
• Spinach and other dark leafy greens
• Broccoli
• Cantaloupe and mango
• Red bell peppers
• Pumpkin and winter squash
• Apricots

Carotenoids are better absorbed when consumed with some dietary fat, so consider adding a healthy fat source like olive oil, nuts, or avocado to meals featuring these colorful vegetables.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you experience multiple symptoms described in this article, particularly vision changes, frequent infections, or skin problems that don’t respond to usual treatments, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider.

Your doctor can assess your symptoms, review your dietary intake and medical history, and potentially order blood tests to measure vitamin A levels. If deficiency is confirmed, they can recommend appropriate treatment, which might include dietary changes, supplementation, or addressing underlying conditions affecting absorption.

Never start high-dose vitamin A supplements without medical supervision, as excessive intake can cause serious adverse effects. In most cases, increasing dietary sources of vitamin A is sufficient to address mild deficiencies and maintain optimal levels.

Conclusion

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that supports vision, immune function, reproduction, skin health, and growth. While deficiency is uncommon in developed countries, recognizing the signs and symptoms can help ensure early detection and treatment.

The eight key symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include dry skin, dry eyes, night blindness, fertility problems, delayed growth in children, frequent respiratory infections, poor wound healing, and acne. If you experience these symptoms, especially in combination, speaking with a healthcare provider is important.

Most people can maintain adequate vitamin A levels through a balanced diet that includes both animal sources of retinol and colorful plant foods rich in carotenoids. Eating a variety of these foods regularly provides not only vitamin A but also many other beneficial nutrients that work together to support optimal health.

By understanding the importance of vitamin A and recognizing potential signs of deficiency, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and wellbeing.

Sources:

• National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin A Fact Sheet for Consumers
• National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin A Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
• PubMed Central – National Library of Medicine Database
• World Health Organization – Micronutrient Deficiencies
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Micronutrient Facts