Vitamin deficiency disorders

1.Fat soluble vitamins- Vitamin A, D, E, K

2. Water soluble vitamins- Vitamins B complex and Vitamin

C

Deficiency leads to :Major effect on eyes, malnutrition,

diarrhoea, malabsorption syndrome, cystic fibrosis, hepatic
insufficiency , measles and prematurity.

Ocular manifestation

• Conjunctival xerosis (wrinkled conjunctiva)

• Bitot’s spot(pearly white spot on conjunctiva on either side

of cornea)

• Corneal xerosis and ulceration

• Night blindness

• Keratomalacia

• Blindness

Extraocular Manifestation
• Phrynoderma (toad skin)

• Hyperkeratosis

• Dry scaly skin

• Hypertrophy of tongue

• Growth retardation

• Susceptible to infections

• Renal stone

Treatment of VAD

• Oral Vitamin- A administration

• Parenteral water soluble vit A may be administered in case

of impaired oral intake, persistent vomiting and malabsorption

Excess of Vitamin A::

• Toxic effects like vomiting, dizziness, increased ICP,

tension and papilledema.
• Chronic intoxication can cause anorexia, dry itchy skin,
sleep disorders, painful extremities, sparse hair, enlargement
of liver and spleen, hypoplastic anaemia, teratogenicity etc.

Prevention of VAD

• Vitamin A oral supplementation- one dose of 1 lakh IU at 9

months with measles vaccination followed by eight more
doses of 2 lakh IU every 6 months interval (18, 24, 30, 36, 42,
48, 54 and 60 months) upto 5 years of age

• Intake of food items rich in Vitamin A

• Reduction, early detection and management of childhood

illnesses like PEM, ARI, diarrhoea, measles, worm infestation
etc.

• Early detection of any deficiency and prompt management

• Creating public awareness regarding preventive measures