Guide To Vitamin A Deficiency Symptoms

Respiratory Infections

Vitamin A is an important component of the early development of an individual's lungs, including the formation of alveoli or small air sacs in the lung. It is imperative to the maintenance and regeneration of the epithelial lining inside of an individual's lungs, which is known to have a high cell turnover rate. The epithelial lining functions as a physical barrier to keep foreign pathogens and other substances from entering the inner body tissues. This lining also protects the body against numerous bacterial and viral infections through its signaling functions in conjunction with other components of lung physiology. An individual deficient in vitamin A will experience alterations in their lung parenchyma and pulmonary epithelial lining. These alterations impair the normal functional processes of defense that should occur in the lungs when making contact with pathogens, allergens, and irritants. Therefore, an individual who has vitamin A deficiency is more vulnerable to contracting respiratory infections than someone who has healthy lungs.

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