THE VITAMIN STATUS OF INFANTS IN A FREE LIVING POPULATION

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  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 55  (2) , 205-216
Abstract
In infancy an adequate intake of vitamins, either from natural sources or as supplements, is of the utmost importance. The vitamin status of 325 infants was studied with regard to their food intake, vitamin supplementation and health from birth to the 3rd birthday. Only data on vitamins A, C, E and folic acid are presented here. The proportion of bottle-fed infants having a serum level of vitamin C < 0.30 mg/dl was 4.0 times (P < 0.002), and of vitamin E < 0.35 mg/dl was 2.2 times (P < 0.05) higher than that of breast-fed infants. The proportion of infants with folate level < 6.0 ng/ml was identical in both groups. No infant was observed with a vitamin A serum level < 40 mcg/dl. The daily food intake of vitamin C < 80% of RNI [Recommended Nutrient Intake] was found in 40% of infants at 6 mo., in 10% at 12, and in none at 18 mo. and afterwards. Vitamin A followed a similar trend. Ninety-five% of infants had vitamin E and 75% had folate intake < 80% RNI. Obviously the mean serum levels of vitamins A and C were significantly higher in supplemented infants at 6, 12, 18 and 30 mo. than in those without supplements. Health indicators, measured by number of self-reported illness related symptoms, differed according to supplementation. These findings indicated that, even if optimal food intake could supply the recommended quantity of vitamins, the risk of marginal deficiency always remained higher in infants without supplementation.

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