Deficiency Diseases Resulting from Lack of Vitamin A and E in the Diet

Vitamin A and E are important vitamins required by the human body for various functions. Lack of these vitamins in the diet can lead to deficiency diseases. Let's discuss each of them in detail.

Deficiency Diseases Resulting from Lack of Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in maintaining vision, skin health, and immune function. Lack of vitamin A in the diet can lead to the following deficiency diseases:

1. Night Blindness: Night blindness is the inability to see in low light conditions. It is caused by the lack of rhodopsin, a pigment found in the retina that helps the eyes adjust to low light.

2. Xerophthalmia: Xerophthalmia is a condition that results from the drying of the cornea and conjunctiva due to the lack of vitamin A. It can lead to blindness if left untreated.

3. Keratomalacia: Keratomalacia is a condition that results from the softening and ulceration of the cornea due to the lack of vitamin A.

Deficiency Diseases Resulting from Lack of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for the proper functioning of the immune system and for maintaining healthy skin and eyes. Lack of vitamin E in the diet can lead to the following deficiency diseases:

1. Hemolytic Anemia: Hemolytic anemia is a condition that results from the destruction of red blood cells. Lack of vitamin E can lead to hemolytic anemia in premature infants and individuals with certain genetic disorders.

2. Neuromuscular Disorders: Lack of vitamin E can lead to neuromuscular disorders such as muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and impaired reflexes.

Conclusion

Vitamin A and E are important vitamins required by the human body for various functions. Lack of these vitamins in the diet can lead to deficiency diseases such as night blindness, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, hemolytic anemia, and neuromuscular disorders. It is important to include foods rich in these vitamins in our diet to prevent these deficiency diseases.