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Serum vitamin C, vitamin A and carotene values in infants in SWA/Namibia
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town.
Insights
Infant serum vitamin A and carotene levels were concerningly low in many infants, despite adequate vitamin C. This indicates a potential health risk for children, particularly after six months of age.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Biochemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Micronutrient deficiencies pose significant risks to infant health and development.
- Monitoring vitamin levels in infants is crucial for early intervention.
- Previous studies highlight varying nutritional statuses in infant populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess serum concentrations of vitamin C, vitamin A, and carotene in infants.
- To identify potential deficiencies and associated risk factors in the studied infant cohort.
- To evaluate the public health implications of observed vitamin levels.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 425 infants aged 3 weeks to 12 months.
- Serum samples analyzed for vitamin C, vitamin A, and carotene concentrations.
- Statistical analysis to determine correlations with age, sex, and feeding practices.
Main Results:
- Serum vitamin C concentrations were generally satisfactory.
- A significant proportion of infants exhibited unacceptably low serum vitamin A and carotene levels.
- Low vitamin concentrations were more prevalent in infants over 6 months old.
- No significant correlation found between vitamin levels and age, sex, or breastfeeding.
Conclusions:
- Despite adequate vitamin C, widespread low vitamin A and carotene indicate a potential health risk for infants.
- The findings suggest a need for nutritional interventions or public health strategies to address these deficiencies.
- Early identification and management of subclinical vitamin deficiencies are essential for child health.
Abstract:
Serum vitamin C, vitamin A and carotene concentrations were measured in 425, 256 and 256 infants aged between 3 weeks and 12 months. Vitamin C concentrations were in general satisfactory, whereas vitamin A and especially carotene concentrations were unacceptably low in a large number of infants. concentrations were not correlated with age and sex nor with breast-feeding, but low and very low concentrations were more common after 6 months. Although clinical manifestations of the vitamin deficiencies were not present, the evidence points to an increased health risk for children.