Vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia in children of a developed country

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia do exist in children of developed country. The potential for xerophthalmia should be considered, and there should be a consideration of an ophthalmology review.

Vitamin A levels are comparable between children with newly diagnosed coeliac disease and non‐coeliac controls

“…Surprisingly, approximately 5% of our study population had true vitamin A deficiency and 38% had subclinical vitamin A deficiency regardless of group assignment. Since most studies on vitamin A deficiency are carried out in developing countries, it is difficult to draw conclusions relevant to developed countries, such as Israel . The definitions of normal concentrations of vitamin A and specifically of vitamin A deficiency are based on the levels of vitamin A causing the clinical spectrum of ocular manifestations of vitamin A deficiency for example in xerophthalmia as reported by the World Health Organization report .…”

Ocular manifestations of multi‐nutritional deficiencies in an Australian child

“…It is important to test for other nutritional deficiencies, such as zinc and B12 deficiencies, that may also contribute to similar ocular manifestations as they often coexist . Vitamin A deficiency can also impair iron metabolism and haematopoiesis, leading to anaemia . Studies have shown multi‐nutrient deficiencies in Australian and New Zealand children, with up to 25% with iron deficiency without anaemia and 10% with anaemia .…”

“…Other subgroups at risk in a developed country include families on restrictive diets such as vegetarianism, children with chronic disease such as cystic fibrosis that is known to impair vitamin A metabolism and children with autism or other mental health illness that is associated with picky eating behaviours . Picky eating behaviour is increasingly more common in Western society and is known to be associated with nutrient deficiency .…”

Estudio piloto de preferencia y aceptabilidad de recetas con camote biofortificado: un estudio transversal a nivel comunitario

“…La deficiencia de vitamina A constituye un grave problema de salud pública en los países de bajos ingresos, su principal causa es el déficit crónico de vitamina A en la dieta, lo que lleva a bajos depósitos orgánicos de retinol y, cuando es persistente, afecta directamente varias funciones como el crecimiento tisular, el metabolismo y la resistencia a las infecciones (1). En casos graves, cuando el aporte de la dieta de cualquiera de las formas de vitamina A es muy bajo por un tiempo prolongado, conduce a la xeroftalmía, primera causa de ceguera infantil prevenible, a la disminución de la resistencia a las infecciones y a un mayor riesgo de mortalidad (2). Los niños pequeños y las mujeres gestantes son los grupos más vulnerables a dicha deficiencia (2,3).…”

“…En casos graves, cuando el aporte de la dieta de cualquiera de las formas de vitamina A es muy bajo por un tiempo prolongado, conduce a la xeroftalmía, primera causa de ceguera infantil prevenible, a la disminución de la resistencia a las infecciones y a un mayor riesgo de mortalidad (2). Los niños pequeños y las mujeres gestantes son los grupos más vulnerables a dicha deficiencia (2,3). La función primordial de la vitamina A se encuentra principalmente en el ojo, donde tiene dos tareas importantes: mantiene las estructuras oculares y participa en la conversión de la luz a impulsos nerviosos en la retina (4,5).…”