1st symptom of vitamin A deficiency: March 2009
Ans. C: Night blindness Vitamin A deficiency is common in developing countries but rarely seen in developed countries. Night blindness is one of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency. Xerophthalmia and complete blindness can also occur since Vitamin A has a major role in phototransduction. Vitamin A deficiency also diminishes the ability to fight infections. In countries where children are not immunized, infectious disease like measles, have higher fatality rates. Even mild, subclinical deficiency can also be a problem, as it may increase children's risk of developing respiratory and diarrheal infections, decrease growth rate, slow bone development and decrease likelihood of survival from serious illness.
Conjunctival xerosis
Bitot's spots
Night blindness
Corneal ulcer