Studies on micronutrient intakes and requirements in The Gambia

Abstract

A series of studies are reviewed which have been undertaken to assess the impact of micronutrient deficiencies in a rural Gambian population. The purpose of these studies has been: firstly, to compare the measured ‘home‐food’ micronutrient intakes with current knowledge of human requirements; secondly, where appropriate, to reassess requirements by controlled titration studies with specific nutrients; and thirdly, to attempt to clarify the functional significance of low intakes. Special emphasis has been placed on pregnant and lactating women, because of their increased requirements and potentially high risk status. For riboflavin, a total daily intake similar to, or slightly higher than, the current recommended daily amounts (RDA) acheived ‘normal’ Erythrocyte Glutathinone Reductase Activation Coefficient (EGRAC) values, with a corresponding marked improvement in the clinical picture. Ascorbate requirements of lactating women were greater than the current UK RDA. Measuerd intakes of β‐carotene (or retinol) equivalents suggests a major dietary physilogical indicaes of vitamin A status were entirely within normal limits. For a variety of reasons the RDA for vitamin A seems ultra‐generous, at least for adults. A newly‐identified synergism between riboflavin and iron, affecting iron absorption and the mobilization of iron stores, has proved important. A multinutrient supplement has also been shown to improve work performance in children.