Vitamin A Deficiency
What Does It Mean?
Vitamin A Deficiency occurs when the body lacks adequate levels of vitamin A (retinol), a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, skin health, and cellular growth. Deficiency can result in night blindness, immune dysfunction, and increased susceptibility to infections.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Poor Dietary Intake – Inadequate consumption of vitamin A-rich foods (liver, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, carrots).
- Malabsorption Disorders – Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and liver disease impair fat-soluble vitamin absorption.
- Chronic Infections & Inflammation – Increased demand for vitamin A can lead to depletion.
- Zinc Deficiency – Zinc is necessary for vitamin A metabolism and transport.
- Excess Alcohol Consumption – Can impair liver function and vitamin A storage.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Night blindness and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions
- Dry, rough skin and hair
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Delayed wound healing
- Bitot’s spots (foamy patches on the conjunctiva of the eye)
- Dry eyes (xerophthalmia)
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Change | Optimal Range |
| Vitamin A (Retinol) | Decreased | 57.00-66.00 ug/dL |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
Correcting vitamin A deficiency involves dietary modifications, gut health support, and targeted supplementation.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| V-Pax | Provides key mitochondrial micronutrients for cellular health | 4 capsules without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Increase Vitamin A-Rich Foods: Include liver, egg yolks, dairy, leafy greens, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
- Enhance Fat Absorption: Support digestive health with probiotics and bile acid supplements.
- Support Liver Function: Ensure proper vitamin A storage and utilization.
- Monitor Zinc Levels: Zinc is necessary for proper vitamin A metabolism.