Vitamin A intake and xerophthalmia among Indian children.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate prevalence of xerophthalmia and to assess dietary intake of vitamin A in Indian children aged under 6 y.


METHODS
Cross sectional study.


METHODS
Urban slums under Urban Health Centre affiliated to Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur, India.


METHODS
The study included 1094 all children under 6 y of age, from two randomly selected urban slums.


METHODS
Xerophthalmia was diagnosed on the basis of ocular signs and symptoms (WHO recommendations). Dietary intake of vitamin A was assessed by using one year recall method recommended by International Vitamin A Consultative Group.


RESULTS
Prevalence of xerophthalmia was estimated to be 8.7%. Nine hundred and ninety-five (90.9%) study subjects were identified as inhabitants consuming dietary vitamin A at below recommended levels. (UPF score < 210). Five hundred and ninety-three (54.2%) study subjects were consuming dietary vitamin A at approximately less than 200 RE/d (UPF score < 120) while 402 (36.2%) were consuming approximately 200-300 RE/d (UPF score 120-210). The prevalence of xerophthalmia was found to be decreasing as the score of usual pattern of food consumption (UPF) increased.


CONCLUSIONS
Children with a dietary intake represented by a UPF score of less than 120 were at high risk of developing xerophthalmia, whereas, those consuming vitamin A equal to a UPF score greater than 120 were at comparatively less risk despite being below the recommended levels.
Khandait
D W
DW
Government Medical College, Nagpur, India.
Vasudeo
N D
ND
Zodpey
S P
SP
Ambadekar
N N
NN
Koram
M R
MR
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011204:Poverty Areas; D015995:Prevalence; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014985:Xerophthalmia / Q000453:epidemiology*
D014801:Vitamin A