SCIENTIFIC RATIONALE FOR TARGETED VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENTATION TO CHILDREN IN INDIA

Abstract

In India, presently Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is common amongst young children belonging to the underprivileged populations. The risk of deficiency is greatest   in children under three years   because their requirements are relatively higher and dietary intake is low.  Also, these have higher risk   of illnesses such as diarrhea, acute respiratory tract infection and measles, which deplete vitamin A reserves.   In India, Severe deficiency of VA with corneal involvement was an important cause of nutritional blindness in   sixties and early seventies children amongst children belonging to poor communities however presently, this is an extremely rare disease.