Role of vitamin a in child health and nutrition

Abstract

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is essential for vision, especially dark adaptation, immunity, bone growth and reproduction, maintain surface of cornea and sclera, and epithelial integrity of respiratory, urinary and gastro intestinal tract. Vitamin A also has a role in gene expression. Recommended daily allowance for children ranges from 400 to 700 μg. Normal plasma retinol levels are 20–50 μg/dL. Deficiency results in problems in the eye and vision, cellular differentiation, and functionality of the humoral and cell mediated immune system.World Health Organization recommends supplementation approaches in children between 6 and 59 months of age in certain populations at risk of deficiency.