Our bodies rely on vitamin A for many purposes, all of which are essential for day-to-day activities and long-term health. When a child lacks this nutrient during the early stages of development, they can get sick, go blind and even die.
Vitamin A deficiency increases a child's risk of illness and resulting death.
Vitamin A deficiency results in weakened immune systems in children, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases like measles and diarrhea.
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Vitamin A deficiency increases a child's risk of illness and resulting death.
A visible sign of vitamin A deficiency is dry, flaky skin.
Without the vitamin A necessary for healthy growth, children often have thin, brittle, or lightened hair.
Vitamin A deficiency results in weakened immune systems in children, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases like measles and diarrhea.
Since vitamin A is crucial for healthy eyes, children who suffer from vitamin A deficiency may have compromised vision - or go completely blind.
Vitamin A deficient children may experience stunting (too short for their age) which is a lasting, visible sign of inadequate nutrition during childhood.
Some nutrients, like vitamin A, are not produced by the body naturally. Families with children in developing countries who are struggling with food insecurity are most at risk, because purchasing or growing vitamin A-rich foods isn’t always possible.
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Children in developing countries, where foods aren’t fortified, are often vitamin A deficient.
Vitamin A-rich foods like leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, fish, and liver, can’t be grown or are too expensive for many families living in extreme poverty around the world.
Families often have no choice but to sell their nutritious crops for income.
Protecting babies from vitamin A deficiency starts with improving mothers’ health: nourished moms give birth to healthier babies and are able to pass nutrients on through their breast milk.
You Can Help Protect Children's Health
We offer vitamin grants for nonprofit organizations that want to supplement their existing health services. Click here to learn more about who we serve, and if your NGO or group meets criteria for a vitamin grant.
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Intestinal worms prevent a child's body from absorbing vitamin A. Deworming tablets like albendazole work to kill parasites.
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Learn about 18-month-old Sadrak and how vitamins from Vitamin Angels charity and nonprofit have helped support his health and the health of other children in Uganda.
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