Night blindness is caused due to deficiency of

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

WBSSC Group D Official Paper (Held On: 19 Feb, 2017)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Vitamin A.

Key Points

Night blindness, also known as nyctalopia, is primarily caused due to a deficiency of Vitamin A.
Vitamin A plays a critical role in the production of rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina that is essential for low-light vision.
Sources of Vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, liver, and fortified foods.
Night blindness can be an early symptom of more severe Vitamin A deficiency, which may lead to complete blindness if untreated.
Populations with limited access to Vitamin A-rich foods are at a higher risk of developing night blindness.

Additional Information

Rhodopsin: A light-sensitive receptor protein found in the retina of the eye. It is essential for vision in dim light.
Vitamin A Forms: Retinol (active form), Retinyl esters (storage form), and Beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A found in plants).
Recommended Intake: The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin A is approximately 900 mcg for adult men and 700 mcg for adult women.
Global Health Concern: Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in developing countries, especially affecting children and pregnant women.
Prevention: Vitamin A supplementation programs, dietary diversification, and fortification of foods are key strategies to combat Vitamin A deficiency globally.