Carotene Balances on Boys in Ruanda where Vitamin A Deficiency is Prevalent

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Abstract
Avitaminosis A is prevalent in Ruanda-Urundi, particularly among the boys. The serum carotene levels of the inhabitants are very low. Therefore, carotene balances were done for 31 days on 22 boys, 17 of whom presented physical signs of vitamin A deficiency. The basic menu they were given was very similar to their ordinary diet. The boys who received a supplement of 200 gm of carrots a day absorbed very little (less than 5%) of the carotene content and showed only a slight increase in serum carotene and vitamin A levels. Those receiving a supplement of 200 gm of carrots and 18 gm of olive oil per day, absorbed 25% of the added carotene and showed high and rapid increases in their serum carotene and a noticeable increase in their blood vitamin A. When carotene in oil was given, 45% of the carotene was absorbed and a spectacular rise of the serum carotene level occurred. A control group received the basic diet with a placebo and another control group was given a supplement of 18 gm of olive oil daily. It is suggested that an addition of fats to the diet may contribute to the relief of vitamin A deficiency in this region.

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