FEB 21, handbook on trace minerals and vitamins: vitamin A deficiency

Another offering from the repertoire devoted to Dr JJ ...

Authors' Note: Deficiency of vitamin A

Avitaminosis, an absence of vitamins, causes specific deficiency diseases, although some of these cause diffuse or multi-system disorders.

Avitaminosis A, the absence of vitamin A, is the most common cause of childhood blindness in parts of Africa and South Asia, resulting in specific eye damage, including corneal ulceration adn retinal damage. Early symptoms include xerophthalmia (severely 'dry eyes') and loss of night vision; however, in appropriately nourished populations (developed countries), these symptoms are most often due to other causes.

You can find our incipient collection of verse related to micro-nutrients, i.e. trace minerals and vitamins on our topic-based blog "Edifying Nonsense" by clicking HERE. 

Incidental Photo:

at Longboat Key, FL, mid-1970s