In the absence of vitamin a, it develops. Indications for use

Vitamin A deficiency in a child's body can lead to blindness, reduced immunity, and stunted growth. Proper nutrition and therapeutic correction will help prevent dangerous symptoms.

Vitamin A (retinol) is an organic compound that in the human body is involved in metabolic processes, light perception, skeletal formation, synthesis steroid hormones(progesterone, etc.) and spermatogenesis, as well as the functioning of organs and systems. Under its influence are respiratory and urinary tract, skin, mucous membranes of the eyes, and digestive tract and immunity. The main site of action of vitamin A is epithelial tissue that covers all our organs.

Retinol has a precursor. It is a provitamin - beta-carotene. It is able to accumulate in the subcutaneous fat, creating an additional reserve (depot) in the body. Under the influence of enzymes in the walls small intestine the precursor is converted into vitamin A in the amounts necessary for the body. Beta-carotene and retinol have a powerful antioxidant effect, i.e., they prevent excessive oxidative processes in the body and accumulation free radicals– harmful chemical compounds. Thanks to these properties, vitamin A protects against the appearance of cancerous tumors.

Basic biochemical functions

It is vitamin A that provides us with good vision.

regulates the activity of receptors and the function of cell membranes;
promotes digestion of food (fat breakdown);
regulates the synthesis of protein and acid mucopolysaccharides ( hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, etc.);
has antioxidant activity (prevents aging of the body).

The effect of vitamin A on the body of a pregnant woman

Remember to take multivitamin complexes(“Vitrum prenatal”, “Elevit pronatal”, “Alphabet of mother's health”, “Complivit mother”, etc.). They must contain retinol or beta-carotene. Vitamin A has an important effect on the body of the mother and the unborn child:

participates in the formation of visual pigment (rhodopsin);
ensures the development of the placenta and the growth of the fetus;
activates the immune system;
improves the well-being of a pregnant woman (normalizes sleep, increases heart contractions, helping to redistribute increased blood volume);
renders positive influence on the skin, hair and nails of a woman, contributing to their healthy condition.

Vitamin A Daily Values for Children and Adults

Causes of vitamin A deficiency in the body

Lack of retinol and beta-carotene in food (avitaminosis in the winter-spring period).
Unbalanced diet: deficiency of proteins and fats (vitamin A is poorly absorbed).
Organ pathology digestive system(, colitis, intestinal malabsorption - malabsorption syndrome, hepatitis, biliary dyskinesia, peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum and etc.). Gastroenterological diseases interfere with the normal absorption of retinol and the conversion of beta-carotene into an active form.
The lack of vitamin E and zinc in food also interferes with the absorption of vitamin A.
Increased need for retinol during pregnancy and (women do not take multivitamins).

Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency in children

Frequent infections respiratory tract(tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia), urinary and gastrointestinal tract;
protrusion of the fontanel infants(increased cerebrospinal pressure due to impaired CSF circulation), paresis possible facial nerve(fixed and asymmetrical half of the face);
blurred vision, especially in the dark night blindness);
dryness of the mucous membrane of the eye and cornea - xerophthalmia;
growth retardation of bones and body;
dry skin with areas of peeling (" fish scales”) and papular rash (convex nodular elements), pustular lesions (furunculosis), erosion of mucous membranes (stomatitis) are possible;
dull hair, dandruff;
anemia (pallor skin);
insomnia;
loss of appetite, weakness;
hypersensitivity of tooth enamel to external stimuli(cold, hot food, sweet, etc.);
development of infertility.

night blindness

Deficiency in the body of vitamin E leads to impaired absorption of retinol.

Hemeralopia is a decrease in visual acuity at dusk and darkness (at night). The disease is associated with a violation of the production of visual pigment - rhodopsin, due to a deficiency of vitamin A. Rhodopsin takes part in capturing the light flux by the eye in low light. characteristic symptoms hemeralopia are: sharp deterioration vision at night with a violation of orientation in space, a decrease in the field of view, a change in the correct perception of individual colors - blue and yellow.

Night blindness is difficult to detect in young children (up to 4 years). The appearance of silver-gray plaques (Bito's spots) on the cornea of the eye helps in the diagnosis. They become early sign developing necrosis - keratomalacia. The reason for everything is the pronounced dryness of the cornea and the mucous membrane of the conjunctiva with impaired lacrimation (xerophthalmia). There is a burning sensation, turbidity and loss of luster, a feeling foreign object in the eye, photophobia. More often inflammatory process develops on both sides.

If treatment is not started in time, the child may completely or partially lose vision (melting of the cornea with perforation - perforation eyeball). In older children inflammatory response not so pronounced. As a rule, only conjunctivitis develops due to dryness of the mucous membrane: redness, itching, complaints of “sand in the eyes”.

Prevention and treatment of hemeralopia is reduced to good nutrition(especially when) with the enrichment of the diet with foods containing vitamin A and beta-carotene. This is cod liver, fish oil, beef liver, butter, milk, cheese, egg yolk, tomatoes, spinach, etc. Additionally, retinol and beta-carotene preparations are prescribed in age doses. It is also necessary, because their concentration is reduced with hemeralopia.

Retinol for night blindness is prescribed at a dose of 10,000-25,000 IU, for xerophthalmia - 50,000-100,000 IU, for children - 5,000-20,000 IU per day for several months until the condition improves. The drug is taken orally or parenterally ( intramuscular injections) depending on the severity of the disease. Doses of beta-carotene are 3 times higher (1 IU of vitamin A = 0.3 mcg of vitamin A = 0.6 mcg of beta-carotene).

Sources of vitamin A and beta-carotene

The main source of the precursor of vitamin A is. Beta-carotene is a dark orange pigment, so all products with a high content of it have characteristic colors: bright red, dark green.

The foods richest in beta-carotene are shown in the table.

Products	Beta-carotene, mg/100 g of product
carrot	9
sorrel	7
parsley	5,7
watercress	5,6
rose hip	5
spinach	4,5
celery	4,5
wild garlic	4,2
mango	2,9
garlic	2,4
green onion	2
sweet red pepper	2
melon	2
salad	1,8
apricots	1,6
broccoli	1,5
pumpkin	1,5
tomatoes	1,2
chokeberry	1,2
dill	1

Retinol is fat soluble vitamin, therefore, its source is food of animal origin. In the process of cooking (cooking, canning, scalding with boiling water), a small part of it useful properties is lost. Thus, 70–85% of vitamin A is absorbed.

The foods richest in retinol are shown in the table.

Products	Vitamin A, mg/100 g of product
fish fat	19
chicken liver	12
beef liver	8,2
Cod liver	4,4
lamb liver	3,6
pork liver	3,4
Beluga caviar (grained)	1,0
acne	0,9
quail eggs	0,5
unsalted butter	0,5
caviar chum salmon (grained)	0,45
chicken eggs	0,35
cheese	0,26
cream 35% fat	0,25
sour cream 30% fat	0,23
beef heart	0,23
beef kidneys	0,23
processed cheese	0,15
cheese	0,12
fat cottage cheese	0,10

Retinol is better absorbed in the presence of vitamin E, significant amount found in vegetable oil.

Preparations for the prevention and treatment of vitamin A deficiency in the body

Retinol acetate (retinol palmitate) is an oily solution of vitamin A. It is used in two concentrations: 3.44% (100,000 IU in 1 ml) for acetate and 1.5% (100,000 IU in 1 ml) for palmitate; in vials of 10 ml.

Use the drug for vitamin A deficiency in the body with such manifestations:

frequent infectious diseases, as well as exacerbations of chronic processes;
inflammation of the skin (eczema, psoriasis, burns and frostbite, wounds, pustular lesions, hyperkeratosis - thickening of the surface layer of the epidermis with severe peeling, etc.);
eye diseases (hemeralopia, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, conjunctivitis, etc.);
pathology of the gastrointestinal tract chronic enterocolitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, malabsorption syndrome - impaired intestinal absorption, etc.).

For prophylactic purposes, retinol is administered orally 10-15 minutes after meals 1-2 times a day (morning or evening). The drug can be used not only in the form oil drops, but also in the form of tablets, dragees or capsules with various dosages: 3300 IU or 5000 IU of vitamin A in one piece. The drug is prescribed depending on daily requirement children and adults.

For treatment, the drug is taken orally. It is possible to use in the form of injection forms (intramuscularly): 0.86% oil solution of retinol acetate in 1 ml (25,000 IU) and 3.44% in 1 ml (100,000 IU).

With mild to moderate vitamin A deficiency, adults are prescribed up to 33,000 IU of the drug per day, children - 1000-5000 IU, depending on age. For diseases of the skin and eyes use more high doses retinol acetate: 50,000–100,000 IU for adults and 5,000–20,000 IU for children.

Externally, an oily solution of vitamin A can be used for burns, frostbite and ulcers. It is applied to cleansed skin several times a day until a scar forms on the surface.

The side effect of the drug is associated with the development of intoxication and skin syndrome (headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, fever, rash, peeling, etc.) due to overdose. In pregnant women, hypervitaminosis A can provoke the development of polydactyly (extra fingers on the hands, feet) in the unborn child, as well as lead to fatty degeneration and liver fibrosis in the woman herself. In these cases, it is better to use a retinol precursor preparation.

Beta-carotene (betacarotene) - provitamin A. It is used for conditions associated with a lack of retinol in the body. Plays an important role as an antioxidant (protects when exposed to X-ray, radiation, laser irradiation, with chemotherapy, immunodeficiency, etc.). Beta-carotene is taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules. For prophylactic purposes, for children over 4 years of age and adults, the drug is prescribed after meals at a dose of 0.01-0.03 g per day, for pregnant women - 0.01 g per day.

For treatment, higher doses of the drug are used: 0.03–0.18 g per day. The course of admission is 3-12 months. It can also be used in the form oil solution with skin manifestations.

To prevent deficiency, it is better to take vitamin A as part of multivitamin complexes (Revit, Oligovit, Pikovit, Complivit, Centrum for Children, etc.).

Thus, retinol plays important role V children's body. He is involved in the formation good vision, strong immunity, healthy condition skin and organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Acute deficiency vitamin A is extremely dangerous. The child in early age blindness may occur, and growth will slow down in adolescence and physical development. In the future, boys and girls may develop infertility: a decrease in the number of sperm in men and the production of progesterone (pregnancy hormone) in women.

In the process of prevention and treatment scarce states it is important to remember the danger of hypervitaminosis A., as well as the formation of fetal deformities (polydactyly) and malformations of the face, heart, nervous system. In infants due to increased intracranial pressure the fontanel begins to bulge and pulsate, vomiting occurs. At an older age, increased excitability develops, there is an increase in the liver, pain in the legs when walking, skin lesions (peeling, cracks in the corners of the mouth).

When using retinol preparations, special care is needed. Doses and course of administration should be strictly controlled by a doctor.

On the importance of vitamin A for children in the program "Live Healthy!":

Vitamin A deficiency (hypovitaminosis) is the cause of impaired functioning of the body. refers to fat-soluble substances. Therefore, it is synthesized only in animal cells. It enters the human body with animal products. IN vegetable food contain vitamin A precursors.

The main functions of vitamin A:

ensuring growth and reproduction;
maintenance of color vision;
participation in the exchange of organic compounds;
participation in the synthesis of sex hormones;
maintaining defensive forces organism;
protecting the body from the effects of free radicals.

According to scientists, it helps to maintain a stable concentration of sugar in the blood. The effectiveness of insulin use is increased. If this fact is confirmed during repeated studies, then vitamin A will become an integral element in the treatment diabetes, obesity, hypertension.

Hypovitaminosis of fat-soluble vitamin A can be primary and secondary. In the first case we are talking about the insufficiency arising from malnutrition. The disease is often encountered by residents of the southeastern region of Asia, since here only refined rice, devoid of β-carotene, predominates in the diet. Signs of a lack of fat-soluble vitamin A can also appear with insufficient intake of fats in the body.

Causes of hypovitaminosis A

Most often, a lack of retinol (vitamin A) is associated with irrational nutrition or compliance strict diets. IN childhood the main reason is diathesis. Often, beriberi and hypovitaminosis occur due to improper functioning internal organs. The process of converting provitamin into a biologically active substance is disrupted.

Primary deficiency leads to the development of dry eye syndrome. This is one of the most common causes of complete blindness. Hypovitaminosis of vitamin E and A is the cause of premature aging.

Secondary deficiency is explained by a violation of the absorption of retinol or a decrease in the bioavailability of the precursor of vitamin A. Such violations are possible with pancreatic insufficiency, biliary tract obstruction, cirrhosis of the liver and other pathologies.

A lack of a compound is also possible with protein-energy deficiency. Lack of vitamin A in the body can be the result of a deficiency. The mineral turns the compound into a biologically active component.

Reasons for deficiency are:

exogenous;
endogenous.

Exogenous causes are associated with external influence adverse factors, endogenous - with a violation of the body. In most cases, signs of vitamin A deficiency result from malnutrition. In infants, it may develop due to early withdrawal of breastfeeding.

Symptoms and consequences of a lack of retinol

Signs of insufficiency begin to manifest themselves in different ways. In most cases, deficiency is characterized by a loss twilight vision. After some time, other symptoms appear, such as a violation of the processes of keratinization of the skin and mucous membranes, mainly in the oral cavity.

In adolescents before the onset of puberty, retinol deficiency is manifested by dryness. Its excessive keratinization and peeling is observed.

Other symptoms of vitamin A deficiency in adults include:

hair loss, dandruff;
fragility of the nail plates;
tendency to increased keratinization of the skin;
premature agingcharacterized by the formation of wrinkles;
lacrimation in the cold;
redness of the eyelids, the formation of mucous discharge in the corners of the eyes;
erectile dysfunction.

Consequences provoked by retinol deficiency:

dermatological diseases;
increased sensitivity of tooth enamel;
diseases of the digestive system, including atrophic gastritis, liver cysts, pancreatic cancer;
gynecological pathologies, mastopathy, tumors of the mammary glands;
frequent colds, chronic diseases upper respiratory tract;
slow growth and development.

The appearance of the listed complications of hypovitaminosis is associated with a deterioration in work immune system. The body becomes susceptible to various infections. A deficiency of carnitine contributes to the development of muscle necrosis. Its symptoms are muscle soreness, weakness, malaise. Lack of vitamin A in the body requires the use of medications.

Application in medicine

Indications for the appointment of retinol:

diseases of the skin and mucous membranes: thrush, eczema, dermatitis and other manifestations of dermatosis;
ophthalmic pathology, overload on visual organs, long work at computer;
injury and damage to the skin.

Often vitamin A in different pharmacological forms is additional element complex therapy in the treatment of diseases of internal organs.

pneumonia in acute and chronic form;
acute and chronic lesions of the liver, biliary tract.

Appropriate use biologically active substance and at iron deficiency anemia. This is due to the relationship between the concentration of retinol and iron content in the blood.

Treatment of hypovitaminosis A

The lack of retinol in the body is eliminated by using pharmaceutical products. For this purpose, they are used synthetic drugs with vitamin A content. The duration of the course of treatment is at least several weeks. At repeated symptoms shortage, therapy is resumed. Retinol in capsules and liquid form for external use is effective.

Reception of therapeutic doses of the active substance should be accompanied by medical supervision. Prophylactic doses depend on age and characteristics human body. Dosage for adults lung disorders or medium degree severity - 33000 IU, for children - no more than 5000 IU per day. The prophylactic daily dose is 3300 IU for an adult.

Particular attention should be paid to the use of retinol during pregnancy. An excess amount leads to a violation of the development of the unborn child. This should be borne in mind before the onset of conception, since the component tends to accumulate in the body.

Often there is hypovitaminosis of vitamin E and A at the same time. In such cases, tocopherol is prescribed. Popular drugs containing both important components. Doctors recommend drinking Aevit.

"Promoter's Notes"

Hypovitaminosis of both vitamin A and C often leads to a decrease in immunity. That is why it is necessary to control the intake of retinol and ascorbic acid with food. Strong immunity- the guarantee of health and longevity!

". You should think about the state of your health if, when moving from a bright room to dark eyes adapt longer than 7-8 seconds. If the situation is not corrected, xerophthalmia develops after a while - the conjunctiva and cornea dry and thicken. In especially advanced cases, the cornea becomes cloudy, erosion appears on its surface.

With a lack of vitamin A, the skin and mucous membranes also suffer. The skin becomes dry, premature wrinkles, pimples, cracks appear on it. A person suffering from vitamin A deficiency often looks older than his years. In addition, cracks in the skin and mucous membranes contribute to the penetration of infections. Immunity in those suffering from hypovitaminosis A is weakened, the body cannot normally defend itself against infections, so such people often get sick. Due to disruption of the nasal mucosa, the sense of smell is reduced.

Mostly, the upper respiratory tract suffers from infections - rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia develop, the urinary system - cystitis and urethritis, the gastrointestinal tract.

Nails with hypovitaminosis A become brittle, thin, hair falls out.

With beriberi, these symptoms become more pronounced. In addition, due to excessive desquamation of the epithelium, when the pH of the urine changes, the formation of kidney stones is possible. The center of such a stone is epithelial cells. Also, with beriberi A, libido decreases, and amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) may begin in women.

Description

Retinol (vitamin A) is a fat-soluble vitamin discovered in 1920. It was first isolated from carrots, which is why it and its derivatives are called carotenoids (from English word carrot - carrots).

Retinol enters the human body in the form of ether, small intestine it is broken down to retinol, absorbed and transported to the liver. There it is converted into retinol palmitate and deposited ("stored"). From there, it is already transported with the blood stream as needed.

It happens that a person consumes daily allowance vitamin it is well absorbed, but this is not enough. In this case, hypovitaminosis also develops. This happens with severe physical activity, prolonged severe stress , constant exposure to too low or too high temperatures and during pregnancy.

Diagnostics

In case of vitamin A deficiency, you need to contact. However, often those suffering from this pathology go first to an ophthalmologist or. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the examination of the patient, the results of a biochemical blood test and the results of an ophthalmoscopic examination.

Treatment

In primary hypovitaminosis A prescribe special diet, including foods rich in this vitamin. These are vegetables: carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, celery, spinach, red Bell pepper, lettuce and tomatoes, any yellow and orange fruits, as well as chicken, beef, pork or fish liver. A lot of retinol is also found in egg yolk.

If necessary, vitamin A preparations are prescribed.

However, do not forget that the assimilation of this vitamin requires vitamin E, which protects retinol from oxidation in the intestines, zinc, which activates vitamin A and is involved in its transport, and proteins. Carotenoids are best consumed in small amounts. vegetable oil. But mineral oil, which is used as a laxative, should not be taken with hypovitaminosis A, since in this case vitamin A dissolves in it and passes through the intestines without being absorbed.

With secondary hypovitaminosis, a diet and retinol preparations are also prescribed. But besides this, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of poor absorption of the drug. However, unfortunately, this is not always possible.

Prevention

Prevention of hypo- and avitaminosis A consists in. If for some reason vegetables, fruits, herbs, eggs, liver are not available or inaccessible, you need to take retinol preparations (vitamin A, Aevit) or multivitamins.

Dr. Peter

Vitamin A (retinol) plays a primary role in maintaining general health a person, in particular - in maintaining the work of the immune, reproductive systems, the organ of vision and the integrity of epithelial tissues. Lack of it organic compound can negatively affect primarily visual acuity and skin condition. If the doctor suspects a lack of retinol in the body, he prescribes a determination of its concentration in venous blood. The analysis can be taken in the direction or independently (for preventive purposes). It is also important to examine the organs of the gastrointestinal tract: hypovitaminosis can develop due to a decrease in the quality of absorption of vitamin A in the small intestine.

How to suspect a lack of retinol?

Vitamin A deficiency causes the following symptoms:

visual disturbances, especially at dusk;
dry skin;
mucosal damage;
increased fragility of nails and hair;
physical weakness, decreased performance;
peeling of the skin;
increased sensitivity of the cornea, the formation of ulcerative defects on the mucous membrane of the eyes;
dizziness;
tendency to develop urolithiasis;
decreased activity of the immune system, a tendency to develop infectious and inflammatory diseases.

In children, hypovitaminosis A can even lead to a delay in physical and mental development, great weakness, reduced twilight vision. If you notice at least a few symptoms of a lack of retinol, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will conduct an examination and put accurate diagnosis, and if necessary - will prescribe the treatment of the disease and the observance of a certain diet.

Experience world scientists showed that when retinol stores are depleted, people experience serious problems with immunity, skin, reproductive system. Even banal SARS can lead to severe bronchopulmonary complications and death from infections.

If hypovitaminosis A develops, the epithelium of the internal organs suffers. This causes keratinization of the respiratory mucosa, urinary organs, intestines, organ of vision. Secretion epithelial cells bronchi, lungs slows down, which increases the risk of developing respiratory diseases With bacterial complications and others adverse effects. There is keratinization of the skin, and first of all, the limbs are damaged.

Epithelium urinary tract is damaged, calculi begin to form around fragments of torn tissues. Prolonged vitamin A deficiency can result in urolithiasis disease and its associated complications. Against the background of a lack of retinol, spermatogenesis in men is disrupted, testicular tissue atrophy may occur. But vitamin A deficiency is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women.

Risks of Retinol Deficiency During Pregnancy

Pregnant women are at risk. During the period of bearing a child, retinol takes part in the development of many organs and tissues of the fetus. British scientists conducted studies on mice, the results of which found that even a moderate deficiency of retinol increases the synthesis of a protein that destroys brain neurons. These consequences are irreversible.

A lack of retinol during fetal life can lead to a decrease in the ability and early development Alzheimer's disease in adulthood. Hypovitaminosis A leads to pregnancy fading, severe weakness in women, manifested by the threat of miscarriage and high risk development of malformations in the unborn child.

Be sure to pay attention to your diet even in preparation for pregnancy. A large number of vitamin A is found in fish oil, liver, butter, milk, green and yellow vegetables, and legumes. Take extra poly vitamin complexes.

The role of vitamin A

True vitamin A is retinol (found in food of animal nature), and its predecessor is carotene "provitamin A" (part of vegetables, fruits, greens). In the liver, carotene is converted to vitamin A, and its reserve is stored in adipose tissue. Thus, even if a person eats poorly for a limited period of time, but has fat all over the body, there will be no hypovitaminosis. Vitamin A accumulated in adipose tissue will be gradually released, depending on the condition of the body.

Here are the main functions of retinol:

participation in the production of protein structures, enzymes and hormonal substances;
maintenance of twilight vision;
participation in the growth of the skeleton;
keeping active reproductive system person;
preservation of the basic functions of epithelial and bone cells;
protection against free radicals and premature aging;
prevention of the development of malignant tumors;
maintaining full-fledged work urinary organs and gastrointestinal tract.

Not so long ago, experts discovered the antitumor effect of retinoids. It has been experimentally proven that vitamin A minimizes the effects of carcinogens, maintains the normal functionality of epithelial cells and prevents their growth.

Modern research has shown that a lack of vitamin A dramatically increases the body's susceptibility to viruses and bacteria. The reason for the development of infections lies in the lack of intake of retinol with food. Additional Introduction vitamin A helps reduce the risk of measles among children, promotes easy flow illness.

The amount of vitamin A

In adults, the need for vitamin A is 700-900 mcg per day. It is enough for a woman to consume 600-700 mcg per day, for a man a little more - about 900 mcg. The norm of vitamin A for a child under 6 months is 400 mcg, from 6 to 12 months - 500 mcg per day. Children older than a year and adolescents should receive up to 500-900 micrograms of vitamin A per day. The need for retinol during pregnancy increases - up to 800-900 micrograms per day.

It is important to remember that bile is necessary for the absorption of vitamin A. It is synthesized in the presence of fat in the diet. low calorie diets dangerous for the development of beriberi, especially for women who can bring down hormonal background and lose their former reproductive functions.

High doses of retinol are toxic! Do not exceed the recommended dosage! But the toxic properties of retinol appear when daily intake exceeds 3000 mcg.

Foods High in Retinol

A decrease in the amount of vitamin A in the blood is observed with an unbalanced diet, when there are no animal products, vegetables and fruits.

It takes several weeks for retinol levels to normalize. Treatment necessarily includes changing the diet and taking vitamin preparations.

A large amount of retinol is found in the following products:

beef liver;
butter;
egg yolks;
fish fat;
sour cream;
caviar;
cottage cheese;

Foods high in carotene:

carrot;
bell pepper;
broccoli;
pumpkin;
spinach;
soy and peas;
apricots and peaches;
sea buckthorn;
melon;
rose hip.

How to increase the absorption of vitamin A?

Vitamin A deficiency can be primary or secondary. Primary occurs in children and adults who eat poorly, refuse fruits and vegetables, milk, cheese, cottage cheese and butter, replace healthy meals semi-finished products, canned food, sweets. Abrupt termination breastfeeding also increases the risk of beriberi in a child.

Secondary retinol deficiency is associated mainly with impaired absorption of fats, with problems in the functioning of organs that are involved in bile formation. Vitamin A is fat soluble - it is necessary to maintain sufficient levels of fat for its absorption. Deteriorates the absorption of retinol lack of zinc, which is involved in the metabolism and transport of vitamin A.

Vitamin E, which is considered a powerful antioxidant, is also used to increase absorption. It promotes the absorption of retinol from the intestines and maintains the main beneficial properties of vitamin A. It is not recommended to use it simultaneously with taking retinol. Activated carbon which may impair absorption useful substances in the intestine.

Vitamin A provides complex impact on the human body. It takes part in a number of processes, nourishes cells, protects a person from various infectious diseases. If it is not enough, serious health problems arise.

This is a group of bioorganic compounds that belong to retinoids. Includes four chemicals:

Retinoic acid.
Retinal.
Retinol.
Dehydroretinol.

This vitamin is perfectly soluble in fats, so it accumulates quite simply in the human body. It appears in two forms:

Retinol (Vitamin A)- Found in animal food. Immediately absorbed by the body during digestion.
Carotene (provitamin A)- found in plant foods. First it turns into retinol and only after that it is absorbed, which takes much longer.

This is a very important vitamin for a person, which acts as follows:

daily dose of retinol

The daily dose of retinol varies depending on the age of the person:

Children from birth to 6 months: 400-500 mcg.
Children 7 to 12 months: 500-600 mcg.
Children 1-3 years of age: 600-700 mcg.
Children 4-8 years old: 600-900 mcg.
Children 9-13 years old: 700-1700 mcg.

Peculiarity! From the age of 14 daily rate retinol varies by gender. Boys 14 years old and men should consume at least 1000 mcg per day, maximum dose: 2800 mcg. Girls 14 years of age and women need to consume at least 900 micrograms, maximum dose: 2700 micrograms. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need at least 1500 mcg of the substance, the maximum dose is 4000 mcg.

Signs of vitamin A deficiency

Signs of a vitamin A deficiency include the following symptoms:

night blindness;
Weakened immunity;
Roughness of the skin;
Dermatitis.

Important! If you do not pay attention to these symptoms in time, you may experience serious consequences from a lack of vitamin A: diseases that are very difficult to get rid of.

Diseases due to vitamin A deficiency

With a lack of vitamin A, the following diseases develop:

Night blindness - blurred vision at night

1 Night blindness

A lack of vitamin A causes the appearance of a disease such as "night blindness". This is a visual impairment that occurs in low light. With normal lighting, a person can see well, but as soon as he enters a place with a lack of light, vision deteriorates. A person can periodically feel weakness, malaise, headaches.

2. Follicular hyperkeratosis

The consequence of vitamin A deficiency in the body may be the appearance of follicular hyperkeratosis. People call this disease goose pimples". There are small red dots that cover side surfaces shoulders, forearms, elbows. The skin becomes dry and rough.

3. Bronchitis and tracheitis

Vitamin A deficiency in the body leads to frequent bronchitis and tracheitis.

4. Measles

Vitamin A deficiency is a recognized risk factor severe infections measles.

5. Inflammation of the tissues of the inner membranes of the intestines and the genitourinary system

With a lack of vitamin A, such diseases can develop:

gastroenteritis- inflammation of the tissues of the inner membranes of the stomach and small intestine;
colitis- inflammation of the mucous membrane of the colon;
cystitis- cystitis.

Causes of Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency in the body is caused by the following reasons:

Zinc and iron deficiency;
Violation of the absorption of retinol in the intestine;
Liver disease;
Smoking;
The use of alcoholic beverages;
Infectious diseases.

Treatment of vitamin A hypovitaminosis

Run diagnostics first

First of all, you need to see a doctor, get diagnosed. Perhaps the deficiency is caused by a serious illness.

Doctors usually prescribe vitamin preparation orally in tablets or capsules. For this, serious drugs are selected individually, according to the patient's age and body weight.

If hypovitaminosis of vitamin A is mild, it is recommended to take Aevit. This is a vitamin complex that contains vitamins A and E.

The dosage of medication and the duration of treatment are set by the doctor.

One of the most effective methods is the use of foods rich in these elements. Doctors advise to eat daily:

apricots;
Zucchini;
Carrot;
Tomatoes;
Peaches;
Prunes and dried apricots.

Important! During treatment, it is necessary to give up alcohol, cigarettes. Only A complex approach will help fix the problem.

Vitamin A is vital for humans. To prevent its deficiency, it is recommended to eat right, use vitamin complexes for prevention and give up bad habits.

Note

Konstantinov Yu. / Yantseva L. I. Treating beriberi folk remedies: Tsentrpoligraf, 2014. - ISBN: 978-5-227-03742-8.

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