A study in the use of oral massive doses of vitamin A

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Abstract
A study was conducted in the sugar cane growing area of Northeast Brazil on the use of massive does of vitamin A. It was shown that a dose of 225,000 I.U. of water miscible preparation could be given to preschool children without any toxic side effects. Conclusions could not be drawn on the effects of the massive does over a period of one year because of seasonal variations in the intake of carotenes. In the areas studied there was a definite increase of vitamin A intake during certain months of the year which was directly linked to the maturation of tropical fruits such as mango. It is recommended that a program of massive doses of vitamin A be started in certain areas of Northeast Brazil. The existing health services offer an opportunity for such a program. The program should be correlated with seasonal variation of the vitamin and with outbreaks of certain infectious diseases at which time vitamin A nutriture is lowest.

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