Serum retinol of Chadian nomadic pastoralist women in relation to their livestocks' milk retinol and beta-carotene content.
Human serum retinol and livestock milk retinol levels were assessed as part of a study on the health status of Chadian nomadic pastoralists and their livestock in close partnership between Chadian public health and livestock institutions. Of the examined women (n = 99), 43% were moderately retinol-deficient (0.35 mol/L < x < 0.7 mol/L 95% CI; 33-54%), and 17% severely retinol-deficient (< 0.35 mol/L 95% CI; 10-26%). None of the interviewed women (n = 87) reported the consumption of fruit, and only two of fresh vegetables were reported consumed in the past 24 hours. Milk is the almost exclusive source of vitamin A for these populations. Goats (n = 6) had the highest average milk retinol level (329 +/- 84 micrograms/kg [mean +/- SEM]), followed by cattle (n = 25; 247 +/- 32 micrograms/kg), and camels (n = 12; 120 +/- 18 micrograms/kg). Milk retinol levels did not differ between the rainy and dry seasons. Human serum retinol depends significantly on livestock milk retinol levels (partial slope 0.23; 95% CI: 0.008-0.47). Our study supports the use of goat and cow milk as an important source of vitamin A in pastoral nomadic settings. However, the levels still require to be complemented further by promoting green leafy vegetables, fruits, and supplements.
Zinsstag
Jakob
J
Swiss Tropical Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland. jakob.zinsstag@unibas.ch
Schelling
Esther
E
Daoud
Saada
S
Schierle
Josef
J
Hofmann
Peter
P
Diguimbaye
Colette
C
Daugla
Doumagoum Moto
DM
Ndoutamia
Guelmbaye
G
Knopf
Lea
L
Vounatsou
Penelope
P
Tanner
Marcel
M
D000818:Animals; D002162:Camelus; D002417:Cattle; D002596:Chad / Q000453:epidemiology; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006041:Goats; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008892:Milk / Q000737:chemistry*; D012621:Seasons; D012756:Sheep; D014675:Vegetables; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000032:analysis*
D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A