A deficiency of vitamin A may cause eye problems with dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva and night blindness. A warning of too little vitamin A in the body are dry itchy eyes that tire easily. If the vitamin A deficiency is severe, the cornea can ulcerate and leading to permanent blindness.

A vitamin A deficiency may also lead to dry skin and hair, especially if protein is also lacking.

Vitamin D helps with increasing the absorption of calcium, promotes strong teeth and generally assists in bone growth and their integrity.

A lack of vitamin D can lead to softening of the bone and muscle twitching and convulsions. In children it causes rickets. In adults, the shortage causes osteomalacia - loss of minerals from the bones. In older people, when protein is also lost from the bone. osteoporosis may be a problem.

A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E is protects body cells from oxidation, and neutralizes unstable free radicals, which can cause damage. Its antioxidant capability is a great help in preventing degenerative diseases - such as heart disease, strokes, arthritis, senility, diabetes and cancer.

Shortage of Vitamin E is not common, and the symptoms not very clear cut, but they may include inflamed varicose veins, fatigue, premature aging, wounds healing slowly and sub-fertility.

A deficiency of this vitamin may manifest itself in nosebleeds, internal hemorrhaging. In newborn babies, lack of vitamin K results in hemorrhagic disease, as well as postoperative bleeding and hematuria.

As you can see the above vitamins are very important for your body and any deficiency must by a adjusted. But there is a problem here. Vitamins A, D, E and K are classified as a fat-soluble vitamins and they are not excreted as readily as water soluble vitamins (such as the B vitamins and vitamin C). Once absorbed, Vitamins A, D, E and K remain stored in the liver and fatty tissues, therefore excess intake can cause toxic buildup

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in men's health issues

| Article Keywords: Nutrient Basics

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