EFFECT OF MICRONUTRIENT (VITAMIN A) DEFICIENCY ON PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN EDO STATE

Abstract

The study assessed the effect of micronutrient (vitamin A) deficiency on preschool children in Edo SouthSenatorial District of Edo State (Oredo Local Government Area).Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin required for normal visual function, epithelia cellular integrity,immune function, growth, development and reproduction. Intake of vitamin A in preschool children’s diethas a plethora of health benefits, on the other hand, its deficiency causes several clinical symptoms such asxeropthalmia, night blindness, kerotomialiacia, diarrhea, measles, respiratory diseases and visioncomplications. These health challenges are caused by inadequate intake of vitamin A foods, ill-health ofmother and lack of exclusive breast feeding, poor feeding practices amongst others. These negative effectscan reduce the working capacity of the bread winner, affect the academic performance of the preschool childas well as affect the economic development of the society. Therefore, vitamin A could be encouraged bybreastfeeding, enriched weaning foods with vitamin A and advocating that mothers embrace immunizationfrom prenatal to five years of the child. Education on exclusive breastfeeding should be encouraged,complementary food should be fortified with vitamin A, enforce routine immunization of vitamin Asupplements should be given at 3-6 months to aged 1-6 years.