Some present‐day aspects of vitamin a problems in less developed countries

Abstract

Although vitamin A deficiency is a problem of major public health significance in many less developed countries, there has not been the concerted action to reduce its prevalence as has been the case with protein‐calorie malnutrition. Recent developments are helping to focus increasing attention on vitamin A problems. In this report gaps in available data are noted. Limitations with respect to current requirement figures for the vitamin and to criteria for diagnosing a deficiency are discussed. Vitamin A deficiency is a many‐faceted problem, quite apart from the fact that the vitamin is not an entity. The most serious effects are generally found in the toddler group, and often in association with other diseases, both nutritional and infectious. In any country or area an ecological approach is needed to delineate the causes for the deficiency and to lay a realistic basis for planning remedial measures. The merits of various types of intervention programs are discussed and attention is drawn to areas of inve...