MCQ Detailed View

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy vision, immune function, skin health, and reproduction. A deficiency of Vitamin A primarily results in night blindness, a condition where the eyes lose their ability to see clearly in low light or darkness.

The human eye contains light-sensitive cells in the retina that depend on a pigment called rhodopsin. Vitamin A is an essential component for producing this pigment. Without sufficient Vitamin A, rhodopsin cannot function effectively, making it difficult for the eyes to adapt to dim light. If left untreated, prolonged Vitamin A deficiency can lead to xerophthalmia, a severe eye disorder that may cause corneal damage and permanent blindness.

Vitamin A is also necessary for:

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  Supporting immune system function, helping the body fight infections.

  
  


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  Maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes.

  
  


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  Assisting in cell growth and tissue repair.

  
  

The other options listed are caused by deficiencies of different nutrients:

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  Rickets: Caused by a lack of Vitamin D, leading to weak and soft bones.

  
  


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  Scurvy: Caused by a Vitamin C deficiency, leading to bleeding gums and poor wound healing.

  
  


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  Hair fall: Can be linked to many factors, including protein, iron, or biotin deficiency, not specifically Vitamin A.

  
  

Good sources of Vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, liver, eggs, and dairy products. Including these foods in the diet helps prevent deficiency-related diseases. In developing countries, Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health issue, especially in children, causing millions of cases of preventable blindness.This question belongs to Biology, particularly the study of nutrition and human physiology, as it deals with the effects of vitamin deficiencies on the human body.