What is vitamin A deficiency?

Your body needs a certain amount of vitamin A to function well. Vitamin A deficiency happens when your body doesn't get enough vitamin A.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in your liver and body fat. It can take weeks or months for your body to use up its stores of vitamin A.

There are 2 main types of vitamin A:

1. retinol — from animal sources
2. carotenoids — from fruits and vegetables

Read more about vitamin A and your health and why you should eat foods containing vitamin A.

What are the symptoms of vitamin A deficiency?

Problems with vision (being able to see) can be the first sign that your body lacks vitamin A.

Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency can include:

• struggling to adjust to low light (night blindness)
• xerophthalmia (very dry eyes due to poorly functioning tear ducts)
• broken skin
• painful joints

Am I at risk of vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency is rare in countries where you can generally buy fresh produce. In Australia, most deficiency disorders result from illness, injury or restrictive diets.

People at risk of vitamin A deficiency include those with intestinal problems that reduce their ability to absorb vitamin A.

Other health conditions linked with vitamin A deficiency are:

• liver disease
• cystic fibrosis
• chronic (long-term) infections
• major gastrointestinal surgery
• anorexia nervosa
• eating a very low-fat diet

You can usually get enough vitamin A by eating a good variety of fruit, vegetables and healthy proteins. Eating different coloured fruits and vegetables increases the variety of vitamins you get.

Vitamin A is fat-soluble. This means your body can store it for a while, so you won't become deficient straight away.

The Australian Government publishes recommended dietary intake (RDI) guidelines for all vitamins. This lists the amount of each vitamin you should try to eat as part of a healthy diet.

When should I see my doctor?

If you are concerned about how much vitamin A you need, speak with your doctor or see an Accredited Practising Dietitian for advice.

It's important to get the right nutrients if you have a chronic health condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is vitamin A deficiency diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and may examine you. They may also want to know about your health, lifestyle and what you usually eat and drink. Your doctor may suggest having a blood test.

How is vitamin A deficiency treated?

If you are at risk of vitamin A deficiency, your doctor or dietitian may suggest changes to your diet.

If you are unable to absorb vitamin A from food, you can take a vitamin supplement containing vitamin A. There are different forms of vitamin A available in supplements. Your dietitian or doctor can help you choose the right one for you.

Can I take too much vitamin A?

If you take extra vitamin A in a supplement over a long time, it can start to build up in your body and make you unwell. Symptoms of having too much vitamin A include:

• nausea (feeling sick)
• alopecia (hair loss)
• blurred vision
• ataxia (poor balance)
• orange or yellow skin colour
• liver damage

Having too much vitamin A during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects and long-term health problems for your baby.

It is best to avoid taking supplements that contain more than 20mg of beta-carotene or more than 3000μg (10,000 international units) of retinol per day.

Talk to your doctor or a dietitian about how much vitamin A you need.

What are the complications of vitamin A deficiency?

If vitamin A deficiency is not treated, it can lead to serious health problems. The most significant complications affect the eyes and immune system. Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide.

Long-term deficiency can cause worsening eye damage including:

• corneal ulcers
• scarring
• permanent vision loss which may result in blindness

Vitamin A deficiency can also weaken the immune system, making infections more frequent, more severe and harder to recover from.

In children, vitamin A deficiency is associated with poor growth and an increased risk of serious illness.

If you're pregnant, vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of complications for you and your baby.

Can vitamin A deficiency be prevented?

Most people can prevent vitamin A deficiency by eating a balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamin A.

Eating some dietary fat helps your body absorb vitamin A from food.

Some people may need supplements, for example if you:

• have a medical condition that affects fat absorption
• follow a restrictive diet
• have increased nutritional needs

Ask your doctor for specific advice if any of these apply to you. You can also ask for a referral to an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

The Australian Government's Nutrient Reference Values provide guidance on the recommended intake of vitamin A across different life stages, including pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Resources and support

Visit Eat For Health for general information on healthy eating and good nutrition.

Find out about vitamins and minerals for children.

Look for an Accredited Practising Dietitian on the Dietitians Australia website.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

NSW Health has a fact sheet on eating healthy available in several community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet has many resources about healthy eating for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.