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Clinical presentations associated with vitamin A deficiency persist in poor regions globally with the same clinical features as those described centuries ago. However, new forms of vitamin A deficiency affecting the eyes, which have become widespread, as a result of modern societal habits are of increasing concern. Ophthalmic conditions related to...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... typical medical scenarios leading to hypovitaminosis A are low food intake, intestinal parasitosis, malabsorption syndromes, and diets containing low amounts of vitamin A (Figure 2). ...
Context 2
... causes of hypovitaminosis A that may also lead to xe- rophthalmia and other eye diseases and cause blindness are shown in ( Figure 2 and Table 2) and comprising voluntary ingestion of low vitamin A diets or restrictive diets (e.g., vegetarian or cafeteria diets), psychiatric eating disorders (e.g., anorexia and bulimia), bariatric surgeries mimicking malabsorption syndrome, and chronic diseases that affect organs involved in vitamin A digestion or clearance (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome and kidney failure). Restrictive diets resulting from dietary behaviors may lead to a status of hypovitaminosis A and the consequences mentioned above. ...
Citations
... Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is an important source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, fibers, vitamins, and minerals (Martins & Ferreira, 2017). The beta-carotene found in pumpkins, responsible for their characteristic yellow-orange color, is a major source of vitamin A. Consuming foods rich in carotenoids can help prevent skin diseases, eye disorders, and certain types of cancer (Faustino et al., 2016). The pulp of pumpkin is the primary portion used for processing and consumption. ...
... The liver is the primary storage organ for vitamin A, a vital nutrient for visual function. In liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and cholestasis, impaired vitamin A metabolism may lead to its deficiency that may manifest with ocular symptoms [99]. Vitamin A is essential for the formation of rhodopsin in photoreceptor cells, which is necessary for vision in low-light conditions. ...
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a multisystemic disease, i.e., influencing various organ systems beyond the liver and, thus, contributing to comorbidities. Characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the hepatocytes, MASLD is frequently linked to metabolic syndrome components, such as obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Therefore, exploring the intricate connection between MASLD and other organ systems, including the eyes, seems to be essential. In this context, retinopathy has been investigated for its potential association with MASLD, since both conditions share common pathogenetic pathways. Chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction are only some of those mechanisms contributing to disease progression and, possibly, determining the bidirectional interplay between the liver and retinal pathology. This narrative review aims to summarize data concerning the multisystemicity of MASLD, primarily focusing on its potential association with the eyes and, particularly, retinopathy. Identifying this possible association may emphasize the need for early screening and integrated management approaches that address the liver and eyes as interconnected components within the framework of a systemic disease. Further research is necessary to delineate the precise mechanisms and develop targeted interventions to mitigate the bidirectional impact between the liver and eyes, aiming to reduce the overall burden of disease and improve patient outcomes.
... 5 Diagnosing VAD in elderly patients presents unique challenges, particularly due to the potential overlap of symptoms and findings with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 6 Recent advances in imaging technologies, such as shortwavelength autofluorescence (SW-AF), near-infrared autofluorescence (NIR-AF), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), have become invaluable in distinguishing between VAD and other retinal conditions like AMD. 7 ...
The presentation of vitamin A deficiency (VAD)-induced ocular complications can be challenging to diagnose in elderly patients, particularly due to the overlap with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) symptoms. This case report details the presentation, diagnosis, and management of an 88-year-old female with vision loss, highlighting the ocular manifestations of presumed VAD. Despite vitamin A levels being at the lower end of the normal range, the patient’s symptoms and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings suggested insufficient levels, leading to thinning of the outer nuclear layer. This case underscores the necessity of considering VAD in differential diagnoses of unexplained vision impairment, particularly in individuals with a history of intestinal malabsorption, while also emphasizing the importance of distinguishing VAD from AMD in elderly patients.
... Vitamin A promotes normal growth, cell proliferation, and healthy vision; however, it depends on the state in which it exists. Retinol, for example, is transformed in the body via an oxidative process to 11-trans-retinal, which is then isomerized into 11-cis-retinal, the active form of the vitamin required for vision [89]. Furthermore, vitamin A can regulate the production of several proteins involved in cell development or define cell sensitivity to hormone and hormone-like substances, as well as influence hormone production. ...
Mucormycosis, an extremely fatal fungal infection, is a major hurdle in the treatment of diabetes consequences. The increasing prevalence and restricted treatment choices urge the investigation of novel therapeutic techniques. Because of their effective antimicrobial characteristics and varied modes of action, fish-derived peptides have lately emerged as viable options in the fight against mucormycosis. This review examines the potential further application of fish-derived peptides in diagnosing and managing mucormycosis in relation to diabetic complications. First, we examine the pathophysiology of mucormycosis and the difficulties in treating it in diabetics. We emphasize the critical need for alternative therapeutic methods for tackling the limitations of currently available antifungal medicines. The possibility of fish-derived peptides as an innovative approach to combat mucormycosis is then investigated. These peptides, derived from several fish species, provide wide antimicrobial properties against a variety of diseases. They also have distinct modes of action, such as rupture of cell membranes, suppression of development, and modification of the host immunological response. Furthermore, we investigate the problems and prospects connected with the clinical application of fish-derived peptides. Ultimately, future advances in fish-derived peptides, offer interesting avenues for the management of mucormycosis in the context of diabetic comorbidities. More research and clinical trials are needed to properly investigate these peptide’s therapeutic potential and pave the way for their adoption into future antifungal therapies.
... Obesity increases the risk of cataracts, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy [16]. Vitamin A (beta-carotene) deficiency can cause corneal opacity and macular degeneration [17]. Excessive sunbath (including UV-B exposure), corticosteroid use, and diabetes are well-known factors for cataracts [18]. ...
... (tick all that apply): (1) older age; (2) genetic predisposition (history of glaucoma in the family); (3) tobacco use; (4) excessive alcohol consumption; (5) excessive sunbath; (6) unhealthy diet; (7) arterial hypertension; (8) diabetes; (9) taking selected medications (e.g., steroids); (10) refractive error; or (11) I do not know/none of above". Based on the literature review [2,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21], older age, genetic predisposition, taking selected medications (e.g., steroids), refractive error, arterial hypertension, and diabetes were classified as correct answers. ...
... (tick all that apply): (1) older age; (2) genetic predisposition (history of AMD in the family); (3) Caucasian race; (4) tobacco use; (5) excessive alcohol consumption; (6) unhealthy diet; (7) excessive sunbath; (8) arterial hypertension; (9) dyslipidemia; (10) taking selected medications; or (11) I do not know/none of above". Based on the literature review [2,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21], older age, genetic predisposition, Caucasian race, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and arterial hypertension were classified as correct answers. ...
Public knowledge and awareness of eye diseases may influence individuals’ behaviors toward the use of eye care services and prevention methods. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of common eye diseases and their risk factors among adults in Poland as well as to identify factors associated with knowledge of eye diseases. This nationwide cross-sectional web-based survey was carried out in December 2022 on a representative sample of 1076 adults in Poland. Most of the respondents had heard of cataracts (83.6%), glaucoma (80.7%), conjunctivitis (74.3%), and hordeolum (73.8%). Awareness of dry eye syndrome was declared by 50% of respondents, and 40% were aware of retinal detachment. Among the respondents, 32.3% had heard of AMD, and 16.4% had heard of diabetic retinopathy. A lack of awareness of glaucoma was declared by 38.1% of respondents, and 54.3% declared a lack of awareness of risk factors for AMD. Gender, age, and the presence of chronic diseases were the most important factors (p < 0.05) associated with awareness of common eye diseases and risk factors for glaucoma and AMD. This study demonstrated a low level of awareness of common eye diseases among adults in Poland. Personalized communication on eye diseases is needed.
... Vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness and cutaneous aberrations, can make a person prone to infections, and can increase the risk of cancer development [97]. As dangerous as deficiency is, the excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to neurological side effects, osteoporosis, and abnormalities during embryogenesis [98][99][100]. ...
There has been considerable interest in dietary supplements in the last two decades. Companies are releasing new specifics at an alarming pace, while dietary supplements are one of the less-studied substances released for public consumption. However, access to state-of-the-art and high-throughput techniques, such as the ones used in omics, make it possible to check the impact of a substance on human transcriptome or proteome and provide answers to whether its use is reasonable and beneficial. In this review, the main domains of omics are briefly introduced. The review focuses on the three most widely used omics techniques: NGS, LC-MS, NMR, and their usefulness in studying dietary supplements. Examples of studies are described for some of the most commonly supplemented substances, such as vitamins: D, E, A, and plant extracts: resveratrol, green tea, ginseng, and curcumin extract. Techniques used in omics have proven to be useful in studying dietary supplements. NGS techniques are helpful in identifying pathways that change upon supplementation and determining polymorphisms or conditions that qualify for the necessity of a given supplementation. LC-MS techniques are used to establish the serum content of supplemented a compound and its effects on metabolites. Both LC-MS and NMR help establish the actual composition of a compound, its primary and secondary metabolites, and its potential toxicity. Moreover, NMR techniques determine what conditions affect the effectiveness of supplementation.
... A.M.'s clinical presentation suggests vitamin A deficiency. 4 The classic presentation of vitamin A deficiency is dryness of the eyes and night blindness. [16][17][18] Vitamin A deficiency is most commonly associated with prolonged malnutrition in developing countries, especially in times of famine, but may occur acutely in individuals with eating disorders or malabsorption syndromes. 18,19 The diet in the 18th century was probably less balanced than modern diets in developed countries and may be comparable with diets in the modern developing world. ...
In 1755 in Bergemoletto, Italy, an avalanche buried 4 people (2 women, a girl, and a boy) and several animals in a stable. After 37 d in a pitch-dark confined space, 3 of the 4 people were rescued alive. The 3 survivors had only goat milk, a few chestnuts, a few kg of raw kid meat, and meltwater for nutrition. We describe the longest-known survival in an avalanche burial and discuss the medical and psychological problems of the survivors. The boy died. When they were extricated, all 3 survivors were exhausted, cachectic, and unable to stand or walk. They were severely malnourished and were experiencing tingling, tremors, and weakness in the legs; constipation; changes in taste; and amenorrhea. One of the women had persistent eye problems and developed symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder. The survivors were given slow refeeding. It took from 1 to 6 wk before they could walk. We compare this case to other long-duration burials, especially mining accidents, and describe the rescue and patient care after long-duration burials. This case demonstrates that people can overcome extremely adverse conditions and survive.
... Vitamin A is essential in a wide spectrum of physiological activities such as clear retinal vision [13], skin health [14], immune system [15], reproduction [16], and embryonic development as previously reviewed in [16][17][18][19]. ...
Age and Gender are vital determinants for the micronutrient demands of normal indviduals. Among these micronutrients
are vitamins that are required in small amounts for optimum metabolism, homeostasis, and a healthy
lifestyle, acting as coenzymes in several biochemical reactions. The majority of previous studies have examined such
issues that relates to a specific vitamin or life stage, with the majority merely reporting the effect of either excess or
deficiency. Vitamins are classified into water-soluble and fat-soluble components. The fat-soluble vitamins include
vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Fat-soluble vitamins were found to have an indisputable role in an array of physiological
processes such as immune regulation, vision, bone and mental health. Nonetheless, the fat-soluble vitamins are now
considered a prophylactic measurement for a multitude of diseases such as autism, rickets disease, gestational diabetes,
and asthma. Herein, in this review, a deep insight into the orchestration of the four different fat-soluble vitamins
requirements is presented for the first time across the human life cycle beginning from fertility, pregnancy, adulthood,
and senility with an extensive assessment ofthe interactions among them and their underlying mechanistic actions.
The influence of sex for each vitamin is also presented at each life stage to highlight the different daily requirements
and effects.
... Subyek yang kekurangan vitamin A menunjukkan waktu yang lebih lama untuk "break rod-cone", yang dapat terjadi sebelum gejala rabun senja. Dengan defisiensi vitamin A yang berlanjut, permukaan konjungtiva menjadi kering, bergelombang, permukaan tidak beraturan, akhirnya mengembangkan lapisan putih, berbusa, atau bahan "cheesy" yang terdiri dari keratin yang terdeskuamasi dan pertumbuhan bakteri yang berat (Faustino et al., 2016 ...
Pengetahun tentang Gizi mutlak diperlukan dan bermanfaat terhadap pemilihan makanan sehari-hari, agar semua zat gizi yang dibutuhkan oleh fungsi normal tubuh dapat terpenuhi. Selain itu dengan mempelajari ilmu gizi bermanfaat pula untuk mengetahui status gizi masyarakat serta upaya penanggulangan masalah gizi yang terjadi di masyarakat/populasi penduduk Buku ini diharapkan dapat dijadikan referensi/sumber rujukan dalam upaya pemenuhan gizi bagi tubuh, yang tertuang dalam beberapa bab berikut ini: Bab 1 Konsep Dasar Ilmu Kesehatan Masyarakat Bab 2 Gizi dan Ruang Lingkupnya Bab 3 Gizi, Pencernaan dan Alat Pencernaan Bab 4 Makanan, Zat Makanan, dan Fungsinya bagi Tubuh Bab 5 Karbohidrat dan Metabolismenya Bab 6 Protein dan Metabolismenya Bab 7 Vitamin dan Metabolismenya Bab 8 Mineral dan Metabolismenya
... Specifically, vitamins A, D, and E are readily bioavailable in fish oils like cod liver oil and in (fish) species like sardine, mackerel, herring, lake trout, and salmon [58]. Vitamin A sustains normal growth, builds cells, and promotes good eyesight [93], yet dependent on the form in which they exist. Retinol, for instance, is converted in the body to 11-trans-retinal via an oxidative process, whereas the 11-trans-retinal is subsequently isomerized into 11-cis-retinal, which is the functional form of the vitamin essential for vision/visual physiology [94]. ...
Global public awareness about fish-based diet and its health/nutritional benefits is on the rise. Fish nutritional profile projects promising bioactive and other compounds with innumerable health benefits for human wellbeing. As various reported researches involving fish/marine-derived molecules reveal promising attributes, and as the position of fish-based nutrients as nutraceuticals continue to strengthen, health challenges still confront communities worldwide, from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity to hypertension. Thus, further understanding of fish-based nutrient impact as functional foods remains crucial given the diverse prevailing compositional/nutraceutical merits. In this review, therefore, we provide important information regarding bioactive compounds and therapeutics obtained from fish, specific to the context of their suitability in functional foods to enhance human health. This contribution is hereby constructed as follows: (a) fish nutraceutical/therapeutic components, (b) constituents of fish-based nutrients and their suitability in functional foods, (c) fish antioxidant/bioactive compounds to help alleviate health conditions, (d) common human ailments alleviated by fish-based nutrients, and (e) role of fish in mental health and immune system. As increased fish consumption should be encouraged, the potential of the quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and other compounds inherent in fish should steadily be harnessed.
