Joanne R. Pompano
The eye is a delicate and complex organ that is greatly influenced by nutrition. Throughout the pregnancy good nutrition and avoidance of toxins are important to the development of all organs including the eye. The first 8 weeks is the most critical period in the development of the eye. Improper nutrition and contact with toxins, such as pesticides, are most dangerous to the development of the eye in this stage.
Vitamin A is important to the development of healthy eyes. Women in their first trimester of pregnancy should be conscious of their intake of vitamin A. They should be careful not to take too much vitamin A, but they should also not to take too little.
Vitamin A will remain an important factor even after the birth of the child. Infants need a great deal of Vitamin A because they are growing rapidly. In some cases, the severe shortage of this important vitamin results in a vitamin A deficiency. (10)
Premature infants are at risk for vitamin A deficiency and are often given supplements after birth. It is not uncommon for children to develop a Vitamin A deficiency especially after they been weaned off breast milk, a natural source of the vitamin. Supplements of vitamin A may be used to help correct the deficiency or prevent if from occurring. (11)
Also, vitamin A deficiency is common in women who are pregnant or lactating and in children 8 months to 8 y ears old. However, too much vitamin A given to children could be toxic, while too little increases a child’s risk for infection. (12)
