Xerophthalmia in the context of "Retinol"

Play Trivia Questions online!

 or

Skip to study material about Xerophthalmia in the context of "Retinol"
Ad spacer

>>>PUT SHARE BUTTONS HERE<<<

👉 Xerophthalmia in the context of Retinol

Retinol, also called vitamin A1, is a fat-soluble vitamin in the vitamin A family that is found in food and used as a dietary supplement. Retinol or other forms of vitamin A are needed for vision, cellular development, maintenance of skin and mucous membranes, immune function and reproductive development. Dietary sources include fish, dairy products, and meat. As a supplement it is used to treat and prevent vitamin A deficiency, especially that which results in xerophthalmia. It is taken by mouth or by injection into a muscle. As an ingredient in skin-care products, it is used to reduce wrinkles and other effects of skin aging.

Retinol at normal doses is well tolerated. High doses may cause enlargement of the liver, dry skin, and hypervitaminosis A. High doses during pregnancy may harm the fetus. The body converts retinol to retinal and retinoic acid, through which it acts.

↓ Explore More Topics
In this Dossier

Xerophthalmia in the context of Vitamin A deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) or hypovitaminosis A is a lack of vitamin A in blood and tissues. It is common in poorer countries, especially among children and women of reproductive age, but is rarely seen in more developed countries. Vitamin A plays a major role in phototransduction, so this deficiency impairs vision, often presenting with nyctalopia (night blindness). In more severe VAD cases, it can progress to xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, and complete blindness.

Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness worldwide and is a major cause of childhood mortality. Each year, approximately 250,000 to 500,000 malnourished children in the developing world go blind from a VAD, with about half of whom dying within a year of losing their sight. Addressing VAD has been a critical focus of global health initiatives, including Sustainable Development Goal 2: to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

↑ Return to Menu
LINKED FROM (PARENTS)
← Retinol ← Vitamin A deficiency
LINKS TO (CHILDREN)