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Vitamin A status of Filipino preschool children given a massive oral dose
L A Perlas1, R F Florentino, R T Fuertes
1Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Tagig, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Insights
A single 200,000 IU dose of vitamin A effectively boosted serum retinol levels in Filipino children for six months. This supplementation also reduced infections and improved hemoglobin levels, indicating enhanced vitamin A status.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Vitamin A deficiency remains a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries.
- Assessing the efficacy and duration of vitamin A supplementation is crucial for child health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the protective period of a 200,000 IU vitamin A dose in Filipino children.
- To evaluate the impact of vitamin A supplementation on serum retinol levels, infection incidence, and hemoglobin values.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 105 Filipino children (1-5 years) received a single 200,000 IU vitamin A dose.
- Serum retinol levels were measured using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) at baseline and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months post-supplementation.
- Hemoglobin levels and infection incidence were also monitored.
Main Results:
- Serum retinol levels significantly increased post-supplementation and remained elevated for six months, despite a dip at month two.
- The proportion of children with deficient or low serum retinol levels (< 20 microg/dL) decreased significantly at one and six months.
- Vitamin A supplementation led to a decrease in infection incidence, an increase in hemoglobin values, and a reduction in anemia.
Conclusions:
- A single 200,000 IU dose of vitamin A is effective in improving and maintaining vitamin A status in Filipino children for at least six months.
- Supplementation positively impacts overall child health by reducing infections and improving hematological parameters.
- The findings support the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation for vitamin A supplementation in at-risk populations.
Abstract:
The protection period of a 200,000 IU of vitamin A on Filipino children was determined. Subjects were 105 children aged 1-5 years given a single massive dose during the "Araw ng Sangkap Pinoy" (ASAP) in March 1995. Serum retinol was measured by HPLC at baseline, one, two, four and six months after the administration of the dose. Results showed that baseline serum retinol levels were significantly lower than all follow-up values. Serum retinol values were maintained at levels higher than pre-supplementation values although the values decreased on the second month after supplementation. The proportions of deficient and low (< 20 microg/dl) levels were significantly lower one and six months after supplementation. All follow-up serum retinol levels of children with deficient and low values at baseline were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than those with normal values. The WHO recommendation of 200,000 IU was effective in increasing serum retinol concentrations and maintaining it above pre-supplementation levels up to 6 months after administration of the dose. It also replenished organic vitamin A reserves as shown by the dose response (S30DR) approach. Incidence of infection also decreased among the children. Supplementation with vitamin A has likewise resulted in an increase in hemoglobin values and a decrease in the proportion of anemics (Hb < 11.0 g/dl) among the children.