Causes of Vitamin A Deficiency in Developing Countries Children

Poor nutrition

How can vitamin A supplementation help reduce childhood illnesses?

Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness and increases the risk of death from common childhood illnesses, according to UNICEF Data. Periodic, high-dose vitamin A supplementation can help reduce the risk of these conditions. In addition, research has shown that adequate vitamin A intake can also improve child survival rates and child growth and development.

What are the effects of vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A Deficiency is a prevalent nutritional problem that affects both developing and developed countries, especially among children, and has been associated with iron metabolism, hematopoiesis, and the development of anemia. As stated by a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), published in 2020 on sciencedirect.com, vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness worldwide.

What is the primary cause of childhood vitamin A deficiency in developing countries?

Inadequate vitamin A intake is the primary cause of childhood vitamin A deficiency in developing countries, as quantitatively shown in The Journal of Nutrition (31-34). This is exacerbated by the prevalence of diarrhea among young children, which ranges from 10 to 19%.

Unsafe water

What are the causes of maternal vitamin A deficiency?

Maternal vitamin A deficiency is a major cause of vitamin A deficiency in young children in developing countries, which can lead to morbidity and mortality. Cited on a study published in PubMed in 2002, inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption of dietary vitamin A, and low concentrations of vitamin A in breast milk are all contributing factors. Frequent illness and inadequate access to health services also play a role in the development of this deficiency.

What are the consequences of Vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency is a serious public health problem that is associated with increased death rates from severe infections and preventable blindness in young children, especially in developing countries. Cited from a review published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information in 2017, the cycle of Vitamin A deficiency is perpetuated by poor nutrition and inadequate access to interventions. Data from this review also showed that Vitamin A deficiency is highly associated with stunted physical and cognitive development, which increases the risk of disease and death.

Vitamin A deficiency is a prevalent nutritional problem globally, especially among children, with significant impacts on iron metabolism, hematopoiesis, and anemia. As indicated by an overview on ScienceDirect Topics (2015), the biological interactions between vitamin A deficiency and the development of anemia are clearly established. Low dietary intake of vitamin A has been linked to an increased risk of anemia in multiple population-based studies.

Lack of sunlight

What are the effects of vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency is a serious and widespread public health problem, leading to preventable blindness and increased death rates from severe infections, especially in developing countries. As stated by a review published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information in 2017, this has created a vicious cycle over the past 35 years that has yet to be broken. This cycle is perpetuated by poverty and malnutrition, leading to further reductions in dietary intake of vitamin A and subsequent negative health outcomes. The lack of access to proper health care can lead to an inability to detect and treat VAD.

What are the causes of vitamin A deficiency in South Asia?

Vitamin A deficiency is a major public-health concern in developing countries in South Asia, according to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information in 2014. This is attributed to economic constraints, sociocultural limitations, insufficient dietary intake, and poor absorption. To prevent and reduce VAD, nutrient-dense foods such as dark green leafy vegetables and animal sources should be included in the diet.

What are the effects of vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to many complications, including vision loss and blindness, dry and scaly skin, and infertility. As indicated by Cleveland Clinic, vitamin A plays a key role in many functions of the eyes and reproductive system (my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23107-vitamin-a-deficiency, 2020). It is important to ensure adequate intake of vitamin A in order to avoid these potential health issues.

Poor sanitation

What are the causes of maternal vitamin A deficiency?

Maternal vitamin A deficiency is a significant cause of vitamin A deficiency in young children in developing countries, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Cited from data from PubMed, inadequate dietary intake, reduced absorption, and low concentrations of vitamin A in breast milk can all contribute to this deficiency. In addition, research has shown that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life can significantly reduce the risk of vitamin A deficiency.

What is the link between vitamin A deficiency, iron metabolism, and anemia?

Vitamin A deficiency is a common nutritional issue, especially among children, that can lead to anemia when combined with iron metabolism and hematopoiesis. According to a study published by ScienceDirect Topics in 2020, the biological interactions between vitamin A deficiency, iron metabolism, hematopoiesis, and the development of anemia are clearly established. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to impaired immunity and growth retardation.

What are the health risks associated with Vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a range of serious health complications, such as vision loss and blindness, dry, scaly and/or itchy skin, and infertility. As reported by Cleveland Clinic, Vitamin A is key to many functions of the eyes and reproductive system, and is therefore important to maintain adequate levels in the body (my.clevelandclinic.org, 2020). Dietary sources of vitamin A include dairy products, eggs, fortified cereals and orange-colored fruits and vegetables.

Low socioeconomic status

What are the effects of maternal vitamin A deficiency?

Maternal vitamin A deficiency is the primary cause of vitamin A deficiency in young children in developing countries, resulting in low concentrations of vitamin A in breastmilk and thus leading to morbidity and mortality among them. From a study published on PubMed by the US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health in 2002, this deficiency is very prevalent and contributes significantly to these issues. Dietary insufficiency, poor absorption, and increased requirements during periods of growth are also contributing factors.

Vitamin A deficiency is a global health concern that can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in young children from impoverished areas. According to StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf (May 15, 2022), Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin critical for cell development, metabolism, immunity, vision, and reproductive functions. Studies have shown that Vitamin A also plays an important role in reducing the risk of infectious diseases.

What are micronutrients?

Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals necessary for our health, and deficiencies can be life-threatening. Sourced from the World Health Organization (WHO), these micronutrients are needed in very small amounts but have a major impact on our health. Research shows that poor diet and malnutrition are risk factors for many chronic diseases.

Poor housing

How can vitamin A deficiency be prevented?

Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness and increases the risk of death from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea, as reported by UNICEF in 2020. Periodic, high-dose vitamin A supplementation is effective in reducing these risks. Data from UNICEF shows that in 2019, over 190 million children under 5 years of age received two doses of Vitamin A supplementation.

What is the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in South Asian countries?

Vitamin A deficiency is a serious public-health issue in South Asian developing countries due to economic constraints, sociocultural limitations, insufficient dietary intake, and poor absorption. Sourced from a study published in BMJ Open in 2014 by the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety in China, the prevalence of VAD in South Asian countries is high. It is estimated that an average of 33% of children under five years old are affected by VAD in South Asia.

What are the effects of vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency is a common nutritional problem that can result in anemia, and is especially prevalent among children. According to ScienceDirect, the biological interactions between vitamin A deficiency, iron metabolism, hematopoiesis, and anemia are well-known. Eating foods rich in Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy levels and preventing deficiency.

Inadequate breastfeeding

What can be done to ensure adequate vitamin A intake in developing countries?

Vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States, but still remains common in many developing countries due to limited access to animal-based food sources and provitamin A carotenoids [1,22]. Although a balanced diet is important to ensure proper vitamin A intake, it is critical that people in developing countries have access to foods that contain adequate levels of vitamin A in order to avoid health complications.

What are the effects of vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency is a serious condition that can lead to blindness, especially in developing countries. As indicated by Cleveland Clinic, it affects infants, children, pregnant and lactating women, as well as those with certain liver disorders that prevent them from absorbing vitamins. Other factors such as malnutrition and poor immunity can also contribute to vitamin A deficiency.

Are you at risk for vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency is a common issue, particularly in young children and pregnant or breastfeeding people in developing countries. According to the National Institutes of Health, certain groups such as premature infants or those with cystic fibrosis are also more likely to have trouble getting enough of this essential nutrient. It is important to note that even among people who have access to a well-balanced diet, vitamin A deficiency is still a risk.

Poor dietary diversity

What is the primary cause of vitamin A deficiency in young children in developing countries?

Maternal vitamin A deficiency is the primary cause of vitamin A deficiency in young children in developing countries, which contributes to morbidity and mortality. Via a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), published in 2002, low concentrations of vitamin A in breast milk are a major contributor to the deficiency. Poor dietary intake and inadequate access to supplementation can also contribute to vitamin A deficiency.

What are the biological interactions between vitamin A and iron deficiencies?

Vitamin A deficiency is a common nutritional issue that affects both developing and developed countries, particularly children, and has been linked to iron metabolism, hematopoiesis, and anemia. According to a study published in the ScienceDirect Topics journal in 2019, the biological interactions between these deficiencies are well-established. Vitamin A supplements can help reduce the severity of some of these issues.

What are the risks of vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to serious health complications, such as vision loss, skin problems and infertility. Mentioned in Cleveland Clinic, it is important to be aware of the causes, symptoms, treatments and prevention of this condition. Research shows that vitamin A plays an important role in the reproductive system.

Illness

What is the most effective way to reduce vitamin A deficiency in children?

Vitamin A deficiency is a major cause of preventable childhood blindness and increased risk of death from common childhood illnesses, according to UNICEF (2020). Periodic, high-dose vitamin A supplementation is an effective way to reduce the burden of this deficiency. Data from UNICEF also shows that coverage of vitamin A supplementation in children under 5 years old globally is still inadequate, increasing the importance of interventions.

What are micronutrients?

Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals that the body requires in very small amounts to maintain good health. As mentioned in the World Health Organization (WHO), deficiencies in any of these micronutrients can cause severe and life-threatening conditions. Dietary deficiencies in micronutrients can also lead to an increased risk of mortality and morbidity.

What are the health impacts of vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency is an endemic nutrition problem that affects the health and survival of infants, young children, and pregnant and lactating women, as reported by the National Institutes of Health in 2006. This is especially true in developing countries, where nutrition stress is high and diets tend to be chronically deficient in vitamin A. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A can help prevent this deficiency.

Inadequate health care

What are the effects of Vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem affecting about one third of children aged 6 to 59 months, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2013, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (48%) and South Asia (44%). It is associated with increased mortality, impaired physical and mental development, and blindness.

What role do micronutrients play in keeping the body healthy?

Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the body in small amounts, and their lack can lead to severe health risks. Attributed to the World Health Organization (WHO), on who.int/health-topics/micronutrients, micronutrients play an important role in keeping the body healthy. A balanced diet is important to ensure a sufficient intake of micronutrients.

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a common cause of preventable blindness and a risk factor for increased severity of various diseases, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, 2020. Inadequate micronutrient content in foods and other dietary factors can also contribute to VAD.

Source:

• Unicef : Children.
• Nih : children.
• Nih : The vicious cycle, vitamin a deficiency, A review, PubMed.
• Sciencedirect : Vitamin A Deficiency, an overview, ScienceDirect Topics.
• Nih : Vitamin A Deficiency, StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf.