Only a weak correlation was found between protein-energy nutritional parameters and vitamin values, probably due to the small size of the sample studied. The pathophysiological and clinical implications of the suboptimal vitamin status observed in acute inflammatory bowel disease are unknown. Further studies on long-term vitamin status and clinical outcome in these patients are necessary. It has long been known that an inadequate diet lacking in certain essential vitamins can cause ocular disorders. On an Egyptian papyrus dated about 1500 BC, it is recorded that liver was used as a food to cure night blindness.
Healthy eyes depend on a well-balanced diet.
Vitamin A maintains the normal function of the epithelial cells of the eye and is essential for the synthesis of visual photosensitive pigments. Deficiencies of vitamin A lead to clinical manifestations including night blindness, conjunctival pigmentation, and dry eyes. The B vitamins are important for maintaining good vision. Vitamin B12 deficiency can produce vascular changes in the retina. Vitamin C is necessary to prevent scurvy.