Vitamin A and the Prevention of Morbidity, Mortality, and Blindness

Abstract

Key Points Vitamin A deficiency remains a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and blindness among preschool children in developing countries worldwide. Consequences of vitamin A deficiency include impaired immune function, growth retardation, anemia, xerophthalmia, and blindness. The impaired immunity resulting from vitamin A deficiency results in increased morbidity and mortality from some infectious diseases such as measles, diarrheal disease, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. Periodic high-dose vitamin A capsule distribution has been implemented by some developing countries as a short-term strategy to prevent vitamin A deficiency among preschool children. Diverse long-term strategies, including nutrition education, food fortification, and homestead food production, are needed to prevent vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. Ultimately, family-based approaches are required to address vitamin A deficiency, because pregnant women and women of childbearing age are at high risk of vitamin A deficiency in many countries and are not reached by vertical programs such as vitamin A capsule distribution.