Abstract
Infections not only are affected by vitamin A status but also influence the utilization and metabolism of vitamin A. The intestinal absorption of vitamin A and carotenoids can be adversely affected by parasitic infestation, diarrhea, and other infections that impair lipid absorption. The fever that accompanies many infections increases the rate of catabolism of vitamin A, as evidenced by the increased excretion of vitamin A in the urine. The homeostatic control of vitamin A and its storage, transport, recycling and utilization is thereby disrupted by infections. As vitamin A status worsens, the ability of the host to mount an effective immune response against the invading organisms is also impaired.