Vitamin A: Deficiency and Food-Based Combating Strategies in Pakistan and Other Developing Countries

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency is a world wide nutritional problem especially in the developing countries that afflicts severely the health of pregnant and lactating women, infants and children. Women are the most vulnerable group affected by vitamin A deficiency during their pregnancy and lactating periods. Different strategies like food diversification, fortification, and supplementation are helpful to cope with vitamin A deficiency. Food fortification is the most cost effective, long-term approach, while supplementation is considered to be the fastidious way to uplift vitamin A status. Generally Retinyl acetate and retinyl palmitate are used in different food products as fortificants against the Vitamin A menace. In addition to these food-based strategies, educating the people regarding health and nutrition can also play an effective role.

Keywords:

• night blindness
• xerophthalmia
• fortification
• retinyl acetate
• retinyl palmitate

Notes

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