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1.Night blindness (nyctalopia)
Vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness or slow recovery of vision after flushes
of bright light at night. Night blindness is one of the earliest signs of low vitamin A
intake. As mucus membranes cells flatten and harden the eyes become dry a condition
referred to as xerosis. Irreversible drying and hardening of the cornea can result into
blindness.
2.Infections
Vitamin A deficiency increases the susceptibility to respiratory, urinary tract, and
vaginal tract infections. The cells lining of the trachea and lungs become keratinized
and deprived of their mucus secretions, microorganisms can easily enter the body and
cause illness
3.Skin changes
The skin becomes dry, scaly, rough and cracked. Keratinization a condition characterized by hardening of the epithelial cells and hyperkeratosis a condition characterized by accumulation of keratin around hair follicles develops.
4.Poor bone and teeth development
Bone growth ceases and the bone shape changes. The enamel forming cells in the teeth malfunction and as a result teeth crack and tend to decay.
Other effects of vitamin A deficiency include:
- Decreased saliva secretion which causes difficulty in chewing and swallowing
- Decreased mucus secretion of the stomach and intestines leading to impaired digestion and absorption resulting in diarrhea and increased excretion of nutrients.
- Loss of taste and smell hence reduction in food intake
Titany answered the question on November 8, 2021 at 05:08
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