Vitamin a deficiency in Brazil: Perspectives for food production oriented interventions

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A vitamin A deficiency problem exists in Brazil, but it does not appear to be associated with the degree of blinding sequela found in Asia and Africa. Xerophthalmia does occur in the semi‐arid “sertao” region of the Northeast, but more in children under two years of age, as compared with the three to five years of age of Asia and Africa. This difference may be related to the shorter duration of breast feeding in the Northeast of Brazil. Many but not all Northeastern states are employing massive dose capsule distribution to combat vitamin A deficiency, but all seek a more long term solution. The Brazilian diet is both quantitatively and qualitatively deficient in vitamin A. Rural diets are poorer in vitamin A than urban diets. In the south of Brazil dairy products are the principal dietary Vitamin A source and responsible for most of the variability associated with income and location. In the northeast where Vitamin A intakes are lowest, plant foods are the more important sources of vitamin A. Many available or easily cultivated rich vitamin A sources are not consumed however. Fruits and vegetables being introduced from the south of Brazil are poor in Vitamin A compared to the indigenous species, whose production and consumption are in decline. Programs are needed not only to improve production of native fruits and vegetables, but also to promote their consumption.