Evaluation of the impact of a food-based approach to solving vitamin A deficiency in Bangladesh

Abstract

The impact of a Worldview International Foundation project to increase the production and consumption of high-carotene foods in Gaibandah district, Bangladesh, was evaluated. The mothers of more than 2500 children age one to six years were interviewed at one-year intervals and compared with a similar sample in a geographically adjacent non-project area of equal size. A 24-hour recall was done regarding green leafy vegetables, yellow fruits and vegetables, oil-rich foods, and non-carotene-rich vegetables. This project was multidimensional and was based on community participation, to spread knowledge, skills, and encouragement for growing carotene-rich foods and feeding them to young children. Children's consumption of all but the non-carotene-rich vegetables increased significantly in Gaibandah. In the non-project area, consumption of yellow fruits and vegetables increased as much as in Gaibandah, oil-rich foods less, and non-carotene-rich vegetables much more. However, consumption of green leafy vegetables decreased significantly in the non-project area and increased significantly in Gaibandah.