[Strategies to control vitamin A deficiency]

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in the countries of the Sahel. It causes xerophthalmia and high rates of child mortality and it occurs mostly in underdeveloped regions. People of all ages may suffer from vitamin A deficiency but it is a particular problem in pre-school-age children. Each year, about 250,000 children throughout the world become blind due to vitamin A deficiency. Measles, pneumonia and diarrhea reduce the child's reserves of retinol and increase the dietary requirement for vitamin A. Improvement of social conditions is a radical approach to preventing vitamin A deficiency. Three strategies are currently in use: horticultural activities and health education; fortification of food products; distribution of high-dose vitamin A capsules.