Dietary intervention to control vitamin A deficiency in seven- to twelve-year-old children

Abstract

The efficacy of a dietary intervention programme to control vitamin A deficiency through inexpensive, locally available sources of β-carotene was evaluated in 121 children 7-12yr old in an orphanage in Delhi, India. The intervention period lasted one month, during which carrots, papayas, coriander, and mint were offered daily as sources of β-carotene. The results indicate that consumption of small amounts of inexpensive, readily available vegetable sources of β-carotene could help prevent and control vitamin A deficiency. Nutrition education programmes are needed to encourage the use of these foods for home consumption as well as in feeding programmes for schoolchildren. -from Authors