Vitamin A deficiency among children--Federated States of Micronesia, 2000.

Vitamin A deficiency among children--Federated States of Micronesia, 2000. Research Abstract Details 

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Vitamin A deficiency among children--Federated States of Micronesia, 2000. Abstract Text:

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Vitamin A, a fat-soluble, heat-stable nutrient (retinol) derived from animal sources and certain fruits and vegetables, forms the basic component of retinal pigments and plays a vital role in optimal health, growth, and development. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) (serum retinol < or = 20 microg/dL [< or = 0.7 micromol/L] for subclinical VAD) can substantially increase the risk for childhood mortality from infectious and noninfectious causes. VAD impairs the mobilization and transport of iron and is usually associated with anemia and reduced growth. VAD is a major public health problem in parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Western Pacific. In Chuuk and Pohnpei, two of the four Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) (2000 population: 107,008), nutrition surveys during the early 1990s documented VAD prevalences among the highest in the world (CDC, unpublished data, 1991; U.S. Public Health Service, unpublished data, 1994). In response to these findings, FSM health authorities, with support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), began distributing vitamin A supplements in 1993 and 1998 in Chuuk and Pohnpei, respectively. In November 1999, FSM requested assistance from CDC in VAD assessment surveys of children in Kosrae and Yap, the other two FSM states. This report summarizes levels of serum retinol and prevalence of VAD and other indicators of nutritional status among children aged 24-59 months in Kosrae and Yap. The findings indicated low serum retinol levels and high VAD prevalences but no substantial stunting or wasting. A comprehensive, long-term national strategy is needed in FSM to promote sustained improvement in vitamin A status.

Vitamin A deficiency among children--Federated States of Micronesia, 2000. Publishing Authors By Initials

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For similar nutritional and metabolic diseases: metabolic diseases: wasting syndrome research abstracts see: nutritional and metabolic diseases: metabolic diseases: wasting syndrome research

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Vitamin A deficiency among children--Federated States of Micronesia, 2000. Journal Published:

PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal Article

Journal: MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report

VOLUME: 50

Page Numbers: 509-12

Journal Abbreviation: MMWR Morb. Mortal. Wkly. Rep.

ISSN: 0149-2195

DAY: 22

MONTH: Jun

YEAR: 2001

Vitamin A deficiency among children--Federated States of Micronesia, 2000. Information

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LANGUAGE: eng

NlmUniqueID: 7802429

Vitamin A deficiency among children--Federated States of Micronesia, 2000. Keywords Mesh Terms:

KEYWORDS: Wasting Syndrome

MESH TERMS: etiology

Chemical & Substance for Abstract: Vitamin A deficiency among children--Federated States of Micronesia, 2000. Information

Substance Name: Vitamin A

Registry Number: 11103-57-4

Grant and Affiliation Information for Vitamin A deficiency among children--Federated States of Micronesia, 2000.

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Country: United States

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MEDLINETA: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep

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