Which vitamin deficiency is associated with night blindness?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin E

Answer: (A)

Night vision in low light depends on vitamin A because retinal, derived from vitamin A, is a key component of rhodopsin, the photopigment in rod cells. When vitamin A is deficient, retinal production is limited, rhodopsin cannot be regenerated efficiently, and the eyes have trouble adapting to darkness, leading to night blindness. If deficiency continues, it can progress to xerophthalmia and more serious eye damage. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient found in animal sources and colorful fruits and vegetables through carotenoids. The other vitamins listed are linked to different problems (skincare and gums with vitamin C, bone issues with vitamin D, and neurological/hematologic symptoms with vitamin E), so they do not cause night blindness.