Prevalence of malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency in Nigerian preschool children subsisting on high intakes of carotenes
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Date
1997-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Abstract
The prevalence of malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency was determined in 204
preschool children of both sexes aged 3–57 months. The children were recruited from
2 rural communities of Atakumosa Local Government Area of Osun State in South
West Nigeria. Dietary vitamin A intake was estimated from frequency of consumption
of locally available vitamin A containing food items. Vitamin A status of the children
was assessed from concentration of retinol in plasma. Nutritional status was assessed
from height and weight compared with international reference standards. The results
indicate widespread malnutrition among the children. The prevalence of stunting (low
height for age) was 60.8% while prevalence of wasting (low weight for height) was
7.4% and of underweight (low weight for age) 27.5%.
Dietary vitamin A intake appeared to be adequate in the children. Intake of vitamin A
is predominantly from plant sources. At least 43% of the children consumed the
carotene rich red palm oil 6 or more times per week in contrast to less than 1% who
consumed eggs or milk for 6 or more times per week. Vitamin A deficiency was low in
the children. Only 11.3% of the children had plasma retinol concentration <0.70µmol/L.
The results indicate that childhood malnutrition of public health magnitude can coexist
with adequate dietary vitamin A intakes or vitamin A status.
Description
Keywords
Prevalence of malnutrition, Vitamin A deficiency, Nigerian preschool children, Intakes of carotenes
Citation
Adelekan, D. A., Fatusi, A. O., Fakunle, J. B., Olotu, C. T., Olukoga, I. A., Jinadu, M. K., & Ojofeitimi, E. O. (1997). Prevalence of malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency in Nigerian preschool children subsisting on high intakes of carotenes. Nutrition and health, 12(1), 17-24.