What is a potential effect of Vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency is most notably linked to night blindness, a condition where individuals struggle to see in low light or darkness. This happens because Vitamin A is crucial for the production of rhodopsin, a pigment found in the retina that is essential for night vision. When there is not enough Vitamin A in the body, the eyes cannot adjust properly to darkness, leading to difficulties with visibility in low-light conditions.

In contrast, rickets is primarily associated with deficiencies in Vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate and results in weak or soft bones in children. Scurvy is a disease caused by a lack of Vitamin C, characterized by symptoms such as bleeding gums and fatigue. Poor bone health can stem from various nutritional deficiencies, but it is not specifically linked to Vitamin A deficiency. Thus, the recognition of night blindness as a consequence of inadequate Vitamin A intake underscores the importance of this vitamin in visual health.