Minerals and vitamins control a number of biological processes in the body. Complications are likely to occur if nutritional levels are insufficient. With the correct dietary adjustments, two vitamin deficiencies that might result in irreversible eyesight loss can be readily avoided.
Each vital vitamin performs a particular function in the body, and there are several of them. Numerous nutrients are required for the normal operation of several functions, such as vision. If addressed, vitamin deficiencies in A and B12 have been linked to eyesight loss.
Here are some points of how two vitamin deficiencies might result in various health issues.
Role of Vitamins and Minerals:
Essential nutrients that support the body’s proper operation include vitamins and minerals. Nutrients are crucial for sustaining our general health because they do everything from strengthening our bones to fight infections to control our brain and hormonal activity.Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that body requires in small amounts to function effectively and maintain good health, according to the National Health Services (NHS) of the United Kingdom.”Most people should get all the nutrients they need by having a varied and balanced diet, although some people may need to take extra supplements,” the health organisation states.
Vitamin deficiencies may give light to various health problems:
Your body needs a total of 13 important vitamins, which you can obtain from various food sources. Because each vitamin has a unique set of functions, deficits in vitamins can result in a range of health issues and symptoms.
Low levels or an insufficient number of vitamins in the body are generally considered vitamin deficiencies. Numerous symptoms, including weariness, weakness, disorientation, irritability, loss of bone density, easy or frequent bruising, and changes in skin colour, can be present.
Additionally, lacking in some vitamins puts you at risk for a host of infections and ailments, including depression.
Vision loss could be a negative outcome of two Vitamin deficiencies:
Experts believe vitamin A and B12 deficiencies may damage vision and, if unchecked, result in visual loss.
“Vitamin A deficiency contributes to blindness by making the cornea very dry, thus damaging the retina and cornea,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
“An estimated 250 000–500 000 children who are vitamin A-deficient become blind every year, and half of them die within 12 months of losing their sight,” states the global health organisation.
The same is true for vitamin B12 insufficiency, which can cause eyesight loss.
As a crucial nutrient for the health and development of brain and nerve cells, vitamin B12 deficiency can result in optic neuropathy, “a rare complication of this deficiency that results in progressive, bilateral, painless vision loss that is often associated with reduced colour vision,” as per the sources.
In light of this, it is imperative to get checked out for the same right away.
Signs you have low levels of Vitamin A:
“Night blindness is one of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency, which is prevalent among children,” as per the WHO.
Other signs and symptoms include infection, xerophthalmia, which causes extremely dry eyes, skin rashes, stunted growth, infertility issues, and more.
The two main causes of vitamin A deficiency are inadequate vitamin A intake and underlying illnesses that prevent the body from properly absorbing or using vitamin A.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to other complications:
The NHS lists the following warning symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency:
– A pale yellow tinge to your skin
– A sore and red tongue (glossitis)
– Mouth ulcers
– Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
– Changes in the way that you walk and move around
– Disturbed vision
– Irritability and depression
– Changes in the way you think, feel and behave
– A decline in your mental abilities, such as memory, understanding and judgment (dementia)
Ways to achieve Vitamin A and B12 sufficiency:
According to the NHS, Cheese, eggs, oily fish, fortified low-fat spreads, milk and yogurt and liver products are some of the best food sources of vitamin A.
“You can also get vitamin A by including good sources of beta-carotene in your diet, as the body can convert this into retinol,” the NHS adds.
A rich source of beta-carotene is yellow, red, and green (leafy) vegetables including spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers, as well as yellow fruit like mango, papaya, and apricots.
You can obtain adequate levels of vitamin B12 by eating foods that come from animals, such as beef, pork, ham, chicken, lamb, fish (such as tuna and haddock), seafood (such as shellfish and crab), and dairy products (such as eggs, milk, cheese, and yoghurt).
How to know if you have low Vitamin levels in the body:
A blood test is the most reliable approach to determine whether you have vitamin deficiencies. Although a saliva test is also an option, blood testing are more precise and reliable.
Visit your local hospital and seek a diagnosis if you have any symptoms or indicators of vitamin deficiency. Consult your doctor about your diet and whether you need to take supplements.
Ms Kalinga AI