scholarly journals Micronutrient intake and prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy among women (15-49 y) and children (6-59 mo) in South Kivu and Kongo Central, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Najma A. Moumin ◽  
Moira Donahue Angel ◽  
Crystal D. Karakochuk ◽  
Kristina D. Michaux ◽  
Mourad Moursi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Serum Zinc ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Retinol Binding Protein ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
South Kivu ◽  
Low Prevalence

AbstractIron biofortified beans and carotenoid enriched cassava are proposed as a solution to combat iron and vitamin A deficiencies, respectively, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). To inform the need for biofortified foods we conducted a survey in 2014, in two provinces of the DRC, South Kivu and Kongo Central. Unexpectedly, women of reproductive age (WRA; 15-49 y) and their children (6-59 m) had a low prevalence of biochemical iron and vitamin A deficiency, based on ferritin and retinol binding protein, respectively. However, to better understand the lack of biochemical deficiency of these nutrients we examined the prevalence of inadequate intake for these and other select nutrients. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour recalls (with repeats) among 744 mother-child dyads. In WRA the prevalence of inadequate iron intakes was 32% (10% bioavailability). The prevalence of inadequate vitamin A intakes was low in South Kivu (18%) and negligible in Kongo Central (1%). The prevalence of inadequate iron intake was 74% in infants (6-11 m) and ~22% in the older children (12-59 months). There was a high prevalence of inadequate zinc intake in women and children (i.e. 83% WRA) consistent with our findings of a high prevalence of low serum zinc in the same sample. Dietary data here corroborate the low prevalence of biochemical vitamin A deficiency but not iron. However, any change to the supply of red palm oil would dramatically reduce population vitamin A intakes, thus a carotenoid enriched cassava program may be beneficial as a safety net measure. Additionally, iron biofortified beans may be warranted given the high rates of dietary inadequacy and uncertainty around the validity of iron biomarkers. Crops biofortified with zinc also appear warranted. We caution that our findings cannot be extrapolated to the entire Congo where diverse agro-ecological landscape exist or when political and environmental shocks occur which challenge food production.

scholarly journals Approaches to Assess Vitamin A Status in Settings of Inflammation: Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) Project

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Larson ◽  
Junjie Guo ◽  
Anne Williams ◽  
Melissa Young ◽  
Sanober Ismaily ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Retinol Binding Protein ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Regression Approach

The accurate estimation of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is critical to informing programmatic and policy decisions that could have important public health implications. However, serum retinol and retinol binding protein (RBP) concentrations, two biomarkers often used to estimate VAD, are temporarily altered during the acute phase response, potentially overestimating the prevalence of VAD in populations with high levels of inflammation. In 22 nationally-representative surveys, we examined (1) the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) or α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and retinol or RBP, and (2) how different adjustment approaches for correcting for inflammation compare with one another. In preschool age children (PSC) and school age children (SAC), the association between inflammation and retinol and RBP was largely statistically significant; using the regression approach, adjustments for inflammation decreased the estimated prevalence of VAD compared to unadjusted VAD (range: −22.1 to −6.0 percentage points). In non-pregnant women of reproductive age (WRA), the association between inflammation and vitamin A biomarkers was inconsistent, precluding adjustments for inflammation. The burden of VAD can be overestimated if inflammation is not accounted for, and the regression approach provides a method for adjusting retinol and RBP for inflammation across the full range of concentrations in PSC and SAC.

scholarly journals Prevalance of vitamin A, zinc, iodine deficiency and anaemia among 2-10 year-old Ghanaian children

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (50) ◽  
pp. 5946-5958
Author(s):  
Godfred Egbi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Iodine Deficiency ◽  
Zinc Concentration ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Urinary Iodine ◽  
Serum Zinc ◽  
Iodine Concentration ◽  
Urinary Iodine Concentration ◽  
High Prevalence

Children are the most nutritionally vulnerable group of society as children are dependants and they are also at a critical stage of the growing process. They need adequate vitamin A, zinc, iron and iodine for their development and school performance. Most often iron deficiency causes anaemia with resultant fatigue and low work capacity. Studies comprehensively assessed dietary intakes of nutrients among Ghanaian children but there is not enough data available on the biochemical assessment of the micronutrient status of Ghanaian children. Therefore, the study provided the first primary data on the prevalence of vitamin A, zinc, iron, iodine deficiency and anaemia among underprivileged 2 – 10 years Ghanaian children in Okwenya village of the Manya-Krobo District. The study was a cross-sectional study carried out among 101 children. Fasting blood sample was collected from each child and used to determine vitamin A, serum zinc and hemoglobin concentration. Urine sample was collected from each of the participants early in the morning and that was used to determine the participant’s urinary iodine concentration. Dietary intake data were collected with the 24-hour recalls method on two non consecutive days. Anthropometric data (weight and height measurements) and demographic data were collected on the participants. The prevalence of urinary iodine deficiency and anaemia among the children of Okwenya village was of public health concern. There was high prevalence of low urinary iodine, 93.8% (<100 µg/dl) and anaemia, 72.5% (hemoglobin <11.5g/dl) among the participants. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol<20µg/dl), low serum zinc concentration <70µg/dl and low hair zinc concentration <70µg/g among the children was 35.6%, 40.5% and 29.9% respectively. There was 22.8% of the participants stunted (short for their age) in the study. This study the first nutritional assessment study in the community showed a high prevalence of low urinary iodine concentration and anemia among the children that were of public health interest. The findings also showed the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and stunting among the children. From the findings there is the need for a nutritional intervention programme to improve the iodine, anaemia, vitamin A and general nutritional status of the children of Okwenya village.

scholarly journals Low Prevalence of Iron and Vitamin A Deficiency among Cambodian Women of Reproductive Age

Nutrients ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Wieringa ◽  
Prak Sophonneary ◽  
Sophie Whitney ◽  
Bunsoth Mao ◽  
Jacques Berger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Low Prevalence

Review of the Micronutrient Situation in Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-154
Author(s):  
Joanne E. Arsenault ◽  
Deanna K. Olney
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Micronutrient Malnutrition ◽  
Context Specific

Background: Rwanda’s commitment to reducing malnutrition is evident in their multisectoral nutrition policy and wide array of nutrition partners. However, the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and the suitability of current strategies to address existing deficiencies is unclear. Objective: To review the available evidence related to the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies across the life cycle and strategies in place to address them. Methods: We reviewed scientific and grey literature on nutritional problems in Rwanda, emphasizing micronutrient deficiencies and anemia, and current strategies to address micronutrient malnutrition. Results: Overall, there is scant evidence related to the types and prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among populations across the life cycle in Rwanda. Existing evidence is primarily limited to outdated or small regional surveys focusing on iron or vitamin A among women and young children. Surveys have assessed the prevalence of anemia and indicate that anemia is very high among young children and moderately high among other age-groups. However, there are limited data on the context-specific causes of anemia in Rwanda across population groups. Current nutrition strategies mainly target women and young children and are primarily designed to reduce vitamin A deficiency and/or anemia caused by micronutrient deficiencies. Conclusions: Rwanda has many nutrition programs in place that address micronutrient deficiencies in young children and a few for women of reproductive age. However, gaps exist in knowledge of the extent of different types of micronutrient deficiencies among all populations across the life cycle and whether the delivery of nutrients through current programs is meeting actual needs.

scholarly journals Changes in contraception use among Brazilian women after childbirth, 2006-2013

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Felisbino-Mendes ◽  
B Barrozo Siqueira
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Regional Inequalities ◽  
Unified Health System ◽  
Contraception Use ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Modern Methods ◽  
Low Prevalence

Abstract Introduction There are gaps in knowledge regarding the neglected and vulnerable subgroups of FP actions in Brazil, such as postpartum women and women in general, regardless of their marital status. Objective To assess changes in the prevalence of use and in the contraceptive pattern of Brazilian women up to two years after pregnancy, between 2006 and 2013. Methods Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study which used secondary data from national surveys. We studied Brazilian women with up to 2 years postpartum, of reproductive age, sexually active, non-pregnant and menstruating, and compared them with all the other women. We estimated the prevalence of use, contraception pattern of contraception and ranking of modern methods. Percentual change in indicators between the years was evaluated by calculating the difference between estimates. Results 85% of Brazilian women used CM, remaining stable in 2006 and 2013, with a high prevalence of modern methods use. An increase in the use of CM was observed among those with up to six months postpartum (71.0% to 89.0%). Pills and condoms accounted for about 60% of modern methods used in the postpartum period in both surveys. There was an increase in dual protection (2.9% to 10.1%) and contraceptive insecurity (1.6% to 5.7%) and a reduction in sterilization (16.2% to 13.4%) and traditional methods (2.1% to 1.4%). Conclusions Even with the maintenance of a high prevalence of use of CM and with the increase in contraception among women with up to six months postpartum, regional inequalities in access to CM and low prevalence of the use of other methods made available by the Unified Health System (SUS) persist, pointing out the maintenance of the insufficient care, failures in the means to regulate fertility and that public policies still hinder to guarantee the sexual and reproductive rights of the most vulnerable population. Key messages Regional inequalities in access to contraceptive methods and low prevalence of other methods made available by the Unified Health System (SUS) persist. There was an increase in contraception use among women with up to six months postpartum in Brazil.

scholarly journals Vitamin A Supplementation and Child Morbidity and Mortality in Developing Countries

1994 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
George H. Beaton ◽  
Reynaldo Martorell ◽  
Kristan A. Aronson ◽  
Barry Edmonston ◽  
George McCabe. A. Catharine Ross ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
Child Morbidity ◽  
Age Profile ◽  
Mortality Trials ◽  
Low Prevalence

A meta-analysis of eight mortality trials indicates that improving the vitamin A status of children aged six months to five years reduced mortality rates by about 23% in populations with at least low prevalence of clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency. The observed effect of supplementation, described in terms of relative risk (RR), was RR =0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.68–0.88; p < .001) and did not differ by sex or age. However, the number of lives saved was greater at younger ages because of higher mortality. A significant RR was shown for deaths attributed to diarrhoea and measles, but not for respiratory infection. Variability among the trials in effects was apparent, but attempts to explain it by descriptors of the population (baseline anthropometric status, prevalence of xerophthalmia, age profile, baseline mortality) were unsuccessful. Owing to the lack of data, firm conclusions could not be reached about effectiveness in children of less than six months and in settings where biochemical but not clinical evidence of vitamin A deficiency exists. Information about morbidity outcomes from about two dozen studies was reviewed. No consistent effects on frequency or prevalence of diarrhoeal and respiratory infections were found. Improvement in vitamin A status did appear to reduce severe morbidity, particularly in children with measles.

scholarly journals Content and Retention of Provitamin A Carotenoids Following Ripening and Local Processing of Four Popular Musa Cultivars from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice Nakhauka Ekesa ◽  
Judith Kimiywe ◽  
Inge Van den Bergh ◽  
Guy Blomme ◽  
Claudie Dhuique-Mayer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Palm Oil ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Provitamin A ◽  
Local Processing ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Provitamin A Carotenoids

<p>Changes in the concentrations and retention levels of total and individual provitamin A carotenoids (pVACs) during ripening and local processing of the four most popular <em>Musa</em> cultivars of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were established through HPLC analysis. The predominant pVACs were all <em>trans</em> ?- and ?-carotene, together constituting about 90% of total pVACs content in raw and processed <em>Musa</em> fruit pulp. The proportion of ?- and ?-carotene was not significantly different in the tested East African Highland Bananas (AAA-EAHB) (‘Nshikazi’ and ‘Vulambya’); in the plantains (‘Musilongo’ and ‘Musheba’), proportion of ?-carotene was almost twice that of ?-carotene. An increase in total pVACs was observed during ripening, with highest levels at ripening stage 3 in all four cultivars. Total pVACs values were as high as 1081µg/100gfw in ‘Vulambya’ and 1819µg/100gfw in ‘Musilongo’. Boiling of the AAA-EAHB and AAB-Plantains resulted to retention of between 40-90% and &gt;95% respectively. Plantains deep-fried in fully-refined palm oil and crude red palm oil for 2 minutes did not seem to lose any pVACs, the levels of total pVACs observed after frying were 100% of what was observed when the fruit was raw. Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE), in boiled products varied between 22.3 and 173 RAEµg/100gfw, whereas deep fried products had &gt;190 RAEµg/100g edible portion. These results show that the tested AAA-EAHBs and the plantains could meet at least 14% and 30 % of Vitamin A recommended dietary intakes respectively. The findings can therefore guide consumer consumption patterns to maximize vitamin A intake for improved health in these regions and also direct researchers in the selection of <em>Musa</em> cultivars to be incorporated within existing farming systems in the fight against vitamin A deficiency (VAD).</p>

scholarly journals Pentingnya Vitamin A Untuk Ibu Menyusui serta Pembuatan Sosis Wortel di Desa Suka Maju Kabupaten Muaro Jambi

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 206
Author(s):  
Herinawati Herinawati ◽  
Lia Artika Sari ◽  
Atika Atika ◽  
Iksaruddin Iksaruddin
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Early Postpartum ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽  
Service Activity ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Postpartum Mothers

19 million pregnant women are thought to have vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy and postpartum can seriously affect the health of the mother and baby. Vitamin A supplementation is sometimes recommended. Although the health consequences of Vitamin A deficiency (VAC) are not well defined, recent data suggest that VAD in women of reproductive age can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Severe VAC in the mother also poses a loss for newborns because it can result in an increase in mortality in the first month of life. The results showed that Vitamin A deficiency (VAC) is also associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, especially among toddlers. Every year it is estimated that more than 60,000 Indonesian children suffer from severe visual impairment and one third of them become blind which cannot be cured. This is because the consumption of vegetables is still low, including carrots. This community service activity aims to increase the knowledge, attitudes and behavior of the community about the importance of Vitamin A for postpartum and breastfeeding mothers as well as making carrot sausage in Suka Maju Village, RT.09 Mestong District, Muaro Jambi Regency. The target of this service is breastfeeding mothers and posyandu volunteers. This activity is carried out from February to May. Participants who took part in the activities of postpartum mothers and posyandu volunteers, located at the Village Midwife's House RT 09, Mestong District, Muaro Jambi Regency. It is recommended to the puskesmas, village heads to be able to socialize and apply in promoting the processing of foods containing vitamin A in their daily diet

scholarly journals Prevalence and Associated Factors of Vitamin A Deficiency among Children and Women in Senegal

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Mane Hélène Faye ◽  
Nicole Idohou-Dossou ◽  
Abdou Badiane ◽  
Anta Agne-Djigo ◽  
Papa Mamadou DD Sylla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Subclinical Inflammation ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Factors Associated

Background: Like many developing countries, Senegal does not have data on the extent of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) that is representative of its population. The present survey was conducted to fill this gap and to identify factors associated with VAD, prior to the introduction of a large-scale vitamin A oil fortification program. Procedures: A nationwide representative cross-sectional survey involving 1887 children 12 to 59 months old and 1316 women of reproductive age (WRA) was conducted. Blood samples were collected and plasma concentrations of retinol (PR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and alpha-1-acidglycoprotein were measured. PR was adjusted for subclinical inflammation using the BRINDA regression methodology. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with VAD. Findings: The adjusted prevalence of VAD (PR ≤ 0.7 μmol/L) in children was 15.3% and differed by age group, area of residence, and socioeconomic status and half of them had subclinical inflammation. Among WRA, VAD was low (2.3%) and 18.1% had vitamin A insufficiency (VAI). Pregnant women were more affected by VAI (28.4%) and Dakar had lower figures compared with other cities and rural strata. Prevalence of VAI decreased with increasing wealth quintile. In logistic regression, abnormal CRP, poverty, scarce consumption of poultry, oysters, melon, red palm oil, palm kernel oil, Saba senegalensis fruit pulp (Maad) and cowpea, frequent consumption of leeks and consumption of Leptadenia hastata leaves (Mbuum tiakhat), were associated with VAD in children. For women, lower socioeconomic status, fair or poor health status and anemia were negatively associated with VAI. Conclusions: In Senegal, VAD is a moderate public health problem in children and slight among women. Particular attention should be paid to children older than 23 months, pregnant women, rural populations, and poorest households. Nutritional interventions should be implemented alongside morbidity prevention and control. Keywords: vitamin A deficiency, children 12-59 months, women of reproductive age, Senegal.

scholarly journals The early changes in retinol-binding protein and prealbumin concentrations in plasma of protein–energy malnourished children after treatment with retinol and an improved diet

1980 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Large ◽  
G. Neal ◽  
J. Glover ◽  
O. Thanangkul ◽  
R. E. Olson
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Plasma Proteins ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Retinol Binding Protein ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
The Mean

1. Changes in total retinol-binding protein (RBP), the holoprotein (holoRBP) and prealbumin (PA) concentrations have been monitored in plasma of thirty protein- and vitamin A-deficient preschool children from within a few hours up to 7 weeks after treatment with retinol and a good-quality protein diet.2. The children were classified into groups according to nutritional status as having either kwashiorkor, marasmus-kwashiorkor or marasmus, and given formula diets whose protein and energy contents increased stepwise from 1 g and 105 kJ/kg body-weight respectively up to 4 g and 733 kJ/kg body-weight after 4 weeks. Retinol was administered in the forms of retinyl palmitate either orally or intramuscularly.3. PA and total RBP were determined by electroimmunoassay procedures and the holoRBP by its fluorescence after separation from other plasma proteins.4. RBP in plasma of the vitamin A-deficient child is largely denatured and incapable of binding administered retinol, which must first be taken up by the liver before native holoRBP is released. An increased pool of native apoprotein accumulates in the liver during vitamin A deficiency which is released into plasma quickly after retinol uptake to form peak concentrations of total and holoRBP approximately 3 h after dosing intramuscularly and 6 h orally.5. The accumulated pool of RBP was highest in livers from the marasmus group and lowest in those from the kwashiorkor group, reflecting their relative capacities to synthesize plasma proteins.6. The mean plasma concentrations of total and holoRBP for the various groups were minimal 24–48 h after dosing with retinol and then improved almost linearly over the following week.7. Mean plasma PA concentrations of the various groups on admission were also in order of the severity of their malnutrition. There was little or no change in this protein concentration over the first 24 h after dosing with retinol, but thereafter the mean values rose almost linearly over 2 weeks. Albumin on the other hand changed little during the first week. The results show that PA is the more sensitive measurement of protein nutritional status.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document