What vitamin deficiencies are associated with vision loss?

From the Guidelines

Vitamin A deficiency is the most significant cause of vision loss among nutrient deficiencies, and treatment involves supplementation with 10,000-25,000 IU oral vitamin A daily for 1-2 weeks for clinical improvement, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.

Key Points

• Early symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include night blindness, which can progress to xerophthalmia, corneal ulceration, and permanent blindness if left untreated.
• Vitamin A supplementation is essential for individuals with deficiency, particularly those with malabsorption disorders, liver disease, or chronic kidney disease.
• The recommended dosage for vitamin A supplementation varies depending on the individual's condition, but the general guideline is 10,000-25,000 IU oral vitamin A daily for 1-2 weeks for clinical improvement 1.
• Vitamin B complex deficiencies, particularly B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin), can also affect vision, and supplementation may be necessary to prevent vision complications.
• Prevention through a balanced diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean proteins is ideal, and those at risk should consider appropriate supplementation under medical supervision to prevent vision complications.

At-Risk Populations

• Malnourished individuals
• Alcoholics
• Those with malabsorption disorders
• Pregnant women
• The elderly
• Individuals with liver disease or chronic kidney disease

Supplementation Guidelines

• Vitamin A: 10,000-25,000 IU oral vitamin A daily for 1-2 weeks for clinical improvement 1
• Vitamin B complex: supplementation may be necessary to prevent vision complications, particularly in individuals with deficiency or at risk of deficiency.

From the Research

Vitamin Deficiencies Associated with Vision Loss

• Vitamin A deficiency is a major cause of preventable blindness in young children, with approximately 4.4 million preschool children having xerophthalmia and 6 million mothers suffering night blindness during pregnancy 2, 3.
• The health consequences of vitamin A deficiency include mild to severe systemic effects, increased burden of infectious morbidity, and increased risk of mortality, with reductions of child mortality of 19-54% following vitamin A treatment reported in some studies 2.
• Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a series of ocular symptoms, including impaired vision, and weak resistance to infection, which can increase the severity of infectious diseases and the risk of death 3.
• Other vitamins, such as vitamins D, C, and B, also play important roles in maintaining healthy vision, although their deficiencies are more commonly associated with other health problems, such as frailty and sarcopenia in older people 4.
• The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining host health, and vitamins can modulate the gut microbiome, with some vitamins, such as vitamins A, B2, D, E, and beta-carotene, increasing the abundance of presumed commensals and maintaining microbial diversity 5.