What symptom may indicate a deficiency in vitamin A or fatty acids?

Skin dryness is a notable symptom that can indicate a deficiency in vitamin A or fatty acids. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to a decrease in the production of sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin moisturized. When sebum production is affected, it often results in dry, flaky skin.

On the other hand, essential fatty acids, which are vital for numerous bodily functions, including skin health, also contribute to maintaining skin hydration and integrity. Insufficient intake of fatty acids can disrupt the skin barrier function, leading to increased transepidermal water loss, which further exacerbates skin dryness.

While joint pain, nausea, and coughing can be symptoms of various health issues, they are not directly linked to vitamin A or fatty acid deficiencies in the same way that skin dryness is. Understanding these connections is crucial for recognizing nutritional deficiencies and their manifesting symptoms in the body.