Deficiencies in Vitamin A

Human Diseases and General Symptoms
Iron and Vitamin A Absorption
Diseases of the Eye from Lack of Vitamin A

    

Human Diseases and General Symptom. 1 to 2 million  children aged 1-4 are predicted to die from Vitamin A deficiency (UNICEF). Deficiency of Vitamin A is a major cause of several diseases and even death in countries where rice is the staple of the diet. Lack of Vitamin A leads to compromised immune systems. The symptoms of deficiency include respiratory disease, measles (that can lead to death in underdeveloped nations), cardiovascular disease, and even cancer (Guerinot). 

    Riceweb provides information on the benefits of genetic engineering in the rice plant, as well as how rice feeds millions of people around the world.

Iron and Vitamin A Absorption. Vitamin A improves absorption of iron in both plants and animals.  New tests also show that a lack of Vitamin A is associated with anemia by adversely affecting the absorption of iron. When the rice has been genetically engineered to produce beta-carotene, the seed absorbs twice as much iron.  This iron is than consumed by humans, providing an essential mineral to our diet.  Humans absorb iron better in the presence of Vitamin A.   This cooperativity effect serves several purposes for better health (Garcia-Casal 1998).

 

 

Diseases of the Eye from Lack of Vitamin A.  Deficiency in Vitamin A causes eye impairments including blindness from macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of blindness in overpopulated countries. The macula, at the center of the retina, does not have enough light-sensitive rhodopsin (Vitamin A is needed for transport) in the rod and cone cells, which cause the initial onset of vision problems.

Carotenoids in the Eye

Vitamin A: Essential for Vision

Biosynthesis of Beta Carotene and Vitamin A
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Introduction Why the Rice We Eat Lacks Beta Carotene
Dietary Sources of Vitamin A Problems With Vitamin A Supplements
Deficiencies in Vitamin A Synthesis of Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A
Genetic Engineering of Rice Conclusion