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  • Title: Vitamin A deficiency in India.
    Journal: ICCW News Bull; 1992; 40(2):22-5. PubMed ID: 12286294.
    Abstract:
    Vitamin A deficiency is a major controllable nutritional problem in developing countries. It is estimated that 30-40,000 children in India, may lose their eye-sight because of vitamin A deficiency. The drying of conjunctiva and cornea may lead to ulceration, which causes permanent scarring or irreversible damage and blindness. Xerophthalmia occurs when the body stores of vitamin A are exhausted owing to low dietary intake of vitamin A rich foods or interference in absorption of retinol in the body. Symptoms of xerophthalmia are night blindness; Bitot's spots; and corneal xerosis/ulceration. If the xerosis is not treated, it can progress within hours to an ulcer in the cornea. If not treated, a corneal ulcer can lead to wasting of the cornea or keratomalacia which can lead to a corneal scar. The National Prophylaxis Program against Blindness due to Vitamin A Deficiency was started in 1970 in 7 states. The Program today covers 30 million children under 5 years of age and utilizes the short-term strategy of administering a megadose of vitamin A solution periodically to children under 5 years of ages; and the long term promotion of dietary intake of vitamin A. The program is not extended to cover children 6-11 months and is proposed for 6-months to 3-year old children. The ultimate solution for the prevention of vitamin A deficiency lies in educating people to eat food rich in vitamin A. Breast feeding will protect children from vitamin A deficiency during the first 6 months. From the age of 4-6 months, it is crucial to introduce semisolid foods containing vitamin A such as dark green and yellow leafy vegetables and fruits, and to ensure adequate intake of vitamin A by preschool children, and pregnant and lactating women. The implementation of the national program can be achieved only by training the health delivery team and the functionaries of the Integrated Child Development Services Program and by a high level of community awareness.
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