Malaria and vitamin A deficiency in African children: a vicious circle?
Vitamin A deficiency and malaria are both highly prevalent health problems in Africa. Vitamin A deficiency affects over 30 million children, most of whom are in the age-group (under five years) most affected by malaria. Vitamin A deficiency increases all-cause mortality in this part of the population, and malaria is an important cause of death in children at this age. A low serum retinol concentration (a marker of vitamin A deficiency) is commonly found in children suffering from malaria, but it is not certain whether this represents pre-existing vitamin A deficiency, a contribution of malaria to vitamin A deficiency, or merely an acute effect of malaria on retinol metabolism or binding. In this paper, available evidence in support of a causal relationship in each direction between vitamin A deficiency and malaria is reviewed. If such a relationship exists, and especially if this is bidirectional, interventions against either disease may convey an amplified benefit for health.
Sanjoaquin
Miguel A
MA
Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, College of Medicine, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi. msanjoaquin@mlw.medcol.mw
Molyneux
Malcolm E
ME
D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008288:Malaria / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology
D014801:Vitamin A