Vitamin A status among children in China

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Public Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in developing nations.
• Early childhood is a critical period for vitamin A intake, essential for growth, vision, and immune function.
• Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of VAD in China is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in children under six years old across China.
• To identify specific demographic and geographic groups at higher risk for VAD.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 14 diverse Chinese provinces.
• Approximately 200 children aged 0-6 years were randomly selected per survey area (urban and rural).
• Serum retinol concentrations were analyzed using fluorescence microanalysis, with sociodemographic data collected via caregiver interviews.

Main Results:

• The overall prevalence of VAD (serum retinol <0.7 micro mol/L) was 12.2% (957/7,826 children).
• Severe VAD (serum retinol <0.35 micro mol/L) was identified in 0.5% of the children.
• Higher VAD prevalence was observed in children from the western region (17.4%), and those with mothers of minority ethnicity (22.7%) or poor education (19.8%).

Conclusions:

• Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) represents a notable nutritional challenge for children in China.
• Children residing in impoverished western areas, or those with mothers from minority ethnic groups or with limited education, are at elevated risk.
• These findings highlight the need for geographically and demographically targeted VAD prevention strategies.