Clinical Study Title:
Current status of vitamin A deficiency and the National Vitamin A Control Program in Nepal: results of the 1998 National Micronutrient Status Survey.

Plain English Summary:

This study looked at the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and the effectiveness of a national vitamin A supplementation outreach program. The supplementation program had a positive effect on the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in young children. The number of syndromes related to vitamin A deficiency was also reduced. This included night blindness and Bitot's spots. This study however suggested that the prevalence of night blindness is still high among adults, and that vitamin A supplementation should also be recommended for adults as well. The use of a daily vitamin A supplement was also found to be protective against the development of Bitot's spots and night blindness.

Authors

Gorstein J. Shreshtra RK. Pandey S. Adhikari RK. Pradhan A.

Institution

Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, 1455 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA 98107, USA.

Country of Publication

Australia

Source

Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 12(1):96-103, 2003.