Prevalence of ocular manifestations and related morbidity in severely malnourished children in a tertiary eye care center

Background: Ocular involvement is relatively common in malnourished children, and the consequences of malnutrition on the eye are frequently more severe during the formative years of life. This is a significant cause of avoidable blindness that has to be addressed with affordable methods. This study aims to determine the nature, extent, and seriousness of ocular manifestations in malnourished children and to evaluate the current prevalence given improving nutritional parameters through increased public awareness, education, and knowledge of vaccination and nutrition. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in the department of ophthalmology of a tertiary eye care center for 1 year. Eye camps were held close by in urban shantytowns. We considered 518 kids between the ages of 6 months and 5 years who lived in those slums. The patient was subjected to a general, systemic, and ocular examination, including a vision and fundus examination. Results: A total of 100 children aged 6 months and 5 years (60 months) who were severely critically malnourished were enrolled and given an eye examination. In this study, 72% of very acutely malnourished children had ocular involvement. Conjunctival pallor was the most general observation in the anterior segment in 179 of the eyes (71.5% of the eyes). Retinal hemorrhage was the most pervasive posterior segment findings in 19 eyes (36.8%). Conclusion: This study is aimed to determine how frequently ocular symptoms occurred in malnourished children who visited tertiary eye care facilities. A vital target population that requires comprehensive screening to avoid vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and detect eye problems early is preschoolers. Every child should also receive an immunization and vitamin A prophylaxis. Low socioeconomic position, illiterate parents, and inadequate sanitation were determined to be the key risk factors for VAD.

Nutrition transition in Brazilian children under 5 years old from 2006 to 2019 / Transição nutricional em crianças brasileiras menores de 5 anos de idade entre 2006 e 2019 / Transición nutricional en niños brasileños menores de 5 años de edad entre 2006 y 2019

Abstract: This manuscript aims to report the nutrition transition in Brazilian children under 5 years old from 2006 to 2019. Microdata from the Brazilian National Survey on Demography and Health of Women and Children (PNDS 2006) and the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019) were analyzed. The indicators considered were: micronutrient status (anemia and vitamin A deficiency), anthropometric status (stunting and excessive weight), and breastfeeding practice (exclusive breastfeeding among children < 6 months and continued breastfeeding among children 12-23 months). We also analyzed minimum dietary diversity (MDD), consumption of ultra-processed foods, consumption of meat or eggs, and not consuming fruits or vegetables in children 6-59 months of age only for ENANI-2019. Equiplot charts were generated according to geographic region, maternal schooling level, and maternal race/skin color. From 2006 to 2019, the prevalence rates of anemia and vitamin A deficiency decreased from 20.5% to 10.1% and 17.2% to 6%, respectively. The prevalence of stunting remained at 7%, and excessive weight rates increased from 6% to 10.1%. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among children < 6 months increased from 38.6% to 45.8%, and of continued breastfeeding among children 12-23 months from 34.6% to 43.6%. In 2019, 61.5% of children achieved the MDD, 88.8% consumed ultra-processed foods, 83.1% consumed meat or egg, and 25.7% did not consume fruits or vegetables the day before the survey. Trends of decreased micronutrient deficiencies, increased breastfeeding, and excessive weight rates, as well as reductions in disparities related to geographic region, maternal schooling level, and maternal race/skin color, were observed for most of the indicators.

Resumo: Buscamos reportar a transição nutricional em crianças brasileiras menores de 5 anos de idade entre 2006 e 2019. Foram analisados microdados da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde da Criança e da Mulher (PNDS 2006) e do Estudo Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição Infantil (ENANI-2019). Foram considerados os seguintes indicadores: status de micronutrientes (anemia e deficiência de vitamina A), estado nutricional antropométrico (excesso de peso e baixa estatura) e a prática de aleitamento materno (aleitamento materno exclusivo entre crianças < 6 meses e aleitamento materno continuado entre crianças de 12-23 meses). Analisamos a diversidade alimentar mínima (DAM), o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados, de carne ou ovos e o não consumo de frutas ou hortaliças apenas para o ENANI-2019 em crianças de 6-59 meses de idade. Equiplots foram gerados de acordo com a região geográfica, escolaridade e raça/cor da pele maternas. Entre 2006 e 2019, as prevalências de anemia e deficiência de vitamina A diminuíram de 20,5% para 10,1% e de 17,2% para 6%, respectivamente. A prevalência de déficit de estatura manteve-se em 7% e a de excesso de peso aumentou de 6% para 10,1%. A prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo entre crianças < 6 meses aumentou de 38,6% para 45,8% e a de aleitamento materno continuado entre crianças de 12-23 meses aumentou de 34,6% para 43,6%. Em 2019, 61,5% das crianças atingiram a DAM, 88,8% consumiram alimentos ultraprocessados, 83,1% consumiram carne ou ovos e 25,7% não consumiram frutas ou hortaliças no dia anterior à pesquisa. Observamos tendências de diminuição das deficiências de micronutrientes, aumento do aleitamento materno e excesso de peso e reduções em disparidades regional, de escolaridade e de raça/cor da pele maternas para a maioria dos indicadores.

Resumen: Buscamos informar sobre la transición nutricional en niños brasileños menores de 5 años entre 2006 y 2019. Se analizaron microdatos de la Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud del Niño y de la Mujer (PNDS 2006) y del Encuesta Nacional de Alimentación Nutrición Infantil (ENANI-2019). Se consideraron los siguientes indicadores: estado de micronutrientes (anemia y deficiencia de vitamina A), estado nuricional antropométrico (sobrepeso y baja estatura) y la práctica de la lactancia materna (lactancia materna exclusiva en niños < 6 meses y lactancia materna continua entre niños de 12-23 meses) como indicadores. Analizamos la diversidad dietética mínima (DDM), el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados, carne o huevos, y el no consumo de frutas o verduras solo para ENANI-2019 en niños de 6-59 meses de edad. Se generaron equiplots en función de la región geográfica, la educación y raza/color de la piel de la madre. Entre 2006 y 2019, las prevalencias de anemia y deficiencia de vitamina A disminuyeron del 20,5% al 10,1% y del 17,2% al 6%, respectivamente. La prevalencia del déficit de estatura se mantuvo en el 7 % y la de sobrepeso aumentó del 6% al 10,1%. La prevalencia de lactancia materna exclusiva en niños < 6 aumentó del 38,6% al 45,8% y la de lactancia materna continua entre niños de 12-23 meses aumentó del 34,6% al 43,6%. En 2019, el 61,5% de los niños alcanzaron DDM, el 88,8% consumieron alimentos utraprocesados, el 83,1% consumieron carne o huevos y el 25,7% no consumieron frutas o verduras el día anterior a la encuesta. Observamos tendencias de disminución de las deficiencias de micronutrientes, un aumento de la lactancia materna y sobrepeso y reducciones en las disparidades regionales, de escolaridad y de raza/color de la piel de la madre para la mayoría de los indicadores.

Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Vitamina A na atenção primária: qual a realidade em Minas Gerais, Brasil? / National Vitamin A Supplementation Program in primary care: what is the reality in Minas Gerais, Brazil?

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar o Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Vitamina A em Minas Gerais. Utilizou-se método misto sequencial explanatório. Na abordagem quantitativa, utilizou-se instrumento multidimensional segundo componentes de suplementação da vitamina A e educação alimentar e nutricional. Usou-se uma matriz de análise com parâmetros para definir a implantação como adequada, parcialmente adequada, não adequada e crítica. Na abordagem qualitativa, foram utilizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas. A dimensão processo foi melhor avaliada que a estrutura, apresentando grau de implantação de 84,6% e 78,5%, respectivamente. As fortalezas do programa incluem: planejamento da suplementação, alcance de metas, registro de informações, apoio ao aleitamento materno e atuação dos agentes comunitários de saúde. Entre as fragilidades estão: fragmentação do trabalho, limites na análise das informações, acesso às ações do programa, implantação de ações educativas, ausência ou insuficiência de nutricionistas e capacitações. A realidade do programa não contemplou, em sua totalidade, ações de promoção da saúde, sendo o foco a suplementação da vitamina A. É imperativo implementar ações de educação alimentar e nutricional para o enfrentamento da deficiência de vitamina A.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the National Vitamin A Supplementation Program in Minas Gerais, adopting the mixed sequential explanatory method. The quantitative approach adopted the multidimensional instrument per the components of vitamin A supplementation and food and nutrition education. We employed an analysis matrix with parameters to define the implementation as adequate, partially adequate, inadequate, and critical. We used semi-structured interviews in the qualitative approach. The "process" dimension was better evaluated than the "structure", with an implementation level (IL) of 84.6% and 78.5%, respectively. The Program's strengths include supplementation planning, achieving goals, recording information, supporting breastfeeding, and the performance of Community Health Workers. Weaknesses are fragmented work, analysis of information limits, access to the Program's actions, implementation of educational actions, and lack of or insufficient availability of nutritionists and training. The Program's reality only partially considered health promotion actions and focused on vitamin A supplementation. Implementing food and nutritional education actions is imperative to face vitamin A deficiency.

A Cross Sectional Study On The Prevalence Of Vitamin A Deficiency

Background: Vitamin A is an essential nutrient needed for normal vision, immune functions, maintenance of epithelial cell integrity, growth and development, reproductive function. It is the most important cause of preventable childhood blindness in developing countries. To estimate the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in children ?15 yearsAim: reporting to a tertiary care centre A cross sectional study was conducted on 100 children agedMaterials & Methods: upto 15years reporting to eye OPD from April 2022- June 2022. Detailed history from mother was collected. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination including visual acuity measurement, anterior segment, fundus evaluation was done. Vitamin A deficiency was clinically assessed by using WHO classification of Xerophthalmia. TheResults: prevalence of clinical vitamin A deficiency in this study was 9%. Maximum presentation was seen in age group of >2-5 years. Prevention, early recognition by regular screening and nutritional education would decrease theConclusion: risk of developing clinical vitamin A deficiency

Dietary diversity as a sustainable approach towards micronutrient Deficiencies in India

The silent epidemic of micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) continues to be a major public health challenge in the developing world, including India. The prevalence of iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A and folate deficiencies is alarmingly high worldwide. India is additionally facing a high prevalence of vitamin D and B12 deficiencies. To combat the hidden epidemic of MNDs, various governments around the world have mostly relied on supplementation or fortification-based interventions. India launched salt iodization programme in 1962 and vitamin A and iron-folate supplementation programmes in 1970. Yet, even after decades of these programmes, MNDs are still widespread in the country. Due to slow progress in alleviating the burden of most MNDs, the Government of India aims to scale up fortification-based intervention programmes. However, there are safety and effectiveness concerns with such approaches. Hence, overdependence on supplementation and fortification alone may be counterproductive. Instead, food based dietary diversification approach can be the way forward. In this article, we list the common MNDs in India, evaluate major policy interventions, discuss concerns pertaining to fortification and suggest the need for a concurrent food-based approach, in particular dietary diversification, as a long-term and sustainable strategy to address population-based MNDs.

Vitamin A deficiency and association between serum retinol and IGF-1 concentrations in Brazilian children with Down syndrome

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and serum concentrations of retinol, correlating them with IGF-1 concentrations in preschoolers with DS. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted on 47 children with DS aged 24 to 72 months, in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. VAD was determined by the relative dose-response (RDR) test. Retinol serum concentration ≤ 0.70 μmol/L and IGF-1 serum concentration below the 3rd percentile for sex and age were considered to represent deficiency. C-reactive protein (CRP) was determined at the beginning of the study. Weight, height, and information about fever and/or diarrhea were obtained at the beginning of the study. Results: VAD prevalence was 25.5% (12/47), and 74.5% (35/47) of the children had deficient retinol before the intervention. CRP was not associated with VAD. Mean IGF-1 were 103.5 ng/mL (SD = 913) for the group with VAD and 116.3 ng/mL (SD = 54.9) for the group with no VAD (p-value = 0.85); 8.5% (4/47) of the children showed deficient IGF-1, but without VAD. No association was observed between VAD and IGF-1 deficiency. A moderate positive correlation was observed between pre-intervention retinol and IGF-1 (ρ = 0.37; p-value = 0.01). Conclusion: a high prevalence of VAD and deficient retinol was observed and there was a positive correlation between serum retinol and IGF-1.

Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Vitamina A: educação alimentar e nutricional no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde / National Program for Vitamin A Supplementation: food and nutrition education in the context of Primary Health Care

Resumo Introdução A educação alimentar e nutricional é um campo de conhecimento e de prática contínua e permanente, que objetiva promover hábitos alimentares saudáveis. Objetivo Apresentar desafios e fortalezas das ações de educação alimentar e nutricional realizadas no Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Vitamina A em municípios de Minas Gerais, no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método Estudo transversal realizado em 105 municípios. Participaram 202 profissionais, enfermeiros e nutricionistas, que responderam a um questionário on-line. Resultados Falta de adesão, dificuldade de acesso à população, ausência de referência técnica e do profissional nutricionista, falhas nas atividades em grupos, apoio insuficiente da gestão municipal, da comunidade e da liderança da referência do Programa foram algumas das dificuldades relatadas quanto à realização das ações da educação alimentar e nutricional. Como ponto positivo, foi identificada a realização de ações de apoio à amamentação exclusiva. Conclusão Os resultados apontam para importantes elementos para subsidiar a tomada de decisão na Atenção Primária à Saúde em relação às ações educativas no campo da alimentação e nutrição.

Abstract Background Food and nutrition education is a field of knowledge and continuous and permanent practice, which aims to promote healthy eating habits. Objective to present challenges and strengths of food and nutrition education actions carried out in the National Vitamin A Supplementation Program in municipalities of Minas Gerais, in the context of Primary Health Care. Method This is a cross-sectional study carried out in 105 municipalities. A total of 202 professionals, nurses, and nutritionists participated, who answered an online questionnaire. Results Lack of adherence and difficulty in accessing the population, lack of technical and professional nutritionist reference, failures in group activities, insufficient support from the municipal management, the community, and the leadership of the Program's reference were some of the difficulties reported in terms of achievement actions of food and nutrition education. As a positive point, actions to support exclusive breastfeeding were identified. Conclusion The results point to important elements to support decision-making in primary health care about educational actions in the field of food and nutrition.

Sterile, recurrent, and bilateral corneal perforation related to primary biliary cirrhosis complicated by secondary Sjögren syndrome and vitamin A deficiency / Perfuração estéril, recorrente e bilateral da córnea relacionada à cirrose biliar primária agravada com síndrome de Sjögren secundária e deficiência de vitamina A

ABSTRACT Primary biliary cirrhosis is a rare progressive autoimmune liver disease that causes chronic cholestasis. Of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, 75% develop secondary Sjogren syndrome and could develop vitamin A deficiency. Here, we report the case of a patient with primary biliary cirrhosis who developed a secondary Sjogren syndrome and vitamin A deficiency, which led to severe and unusual eye involvement with multiple and recurrent spontaneous corneal perforations. Corneal perforations in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and secondary Sjogren syndrome are rare but devastating complications, in contrast to other eye clinical manifestations of the disease.

RESUMO A cirrose biliar primária é uma doença hepática autoimune progressiva rara que causa colestase crônica. 75% dos pacientes com Cirrose Biliar Primária desenvolvem Síndrome de Sjögren Secundária, e podem também desenvolver deficiência de vitamina A. Aqui, relatamos um paciente com Cirrose Biliar Primária que desenvolveu Síndrome de Sjögren Secundária e deficiência de vitamina A, levando a envolvimento ocular grave e incomum com perfurações espontâneas múltiplas e recorrentes da córnea. Perfurações da córnea em pacientes com Cirrose Biliar Primária e Síndrome de Sjögren Secundária são complicações raras, mas devastadoras, em contraste com outras manifestações clínicas oculares da doença.

Vitamin A deficiency regulates the expression of ferritin in young male Wistar rats / A deficiência de vitamina A regula a expressão de ferritina em ratos Wistar machos jovens

ABSTRACT Objective Iron deficiency and vitamin A deficiency are two of the main micronutrient deficiencies. Both micronutrients are essential for human life and children's development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin A deficiency on ferritin and transferrin receptors' expression and its relationship with iron deficiency. Methods Five diets with different vitamin A-to-iron ratios were given to thirty five 21-day-old male Wistar rats (separated in groups of seven animals each). The animals received the diet for six weeks before being euthanized. Serum iron and retinol levels were measured as biochemical parameters. Their duodenums, spleens, and livers were analyzed for the expression of ferritin and transferrin receptors by Western Blotting. Results Regarding biochemical parameters, the results show that when both vitamin A and iron are insufficient, the serum iron content (74.74µg/dL) is significantly lower than the control group (255.86µg/dL). The results also show that vitamin A deficiency does not influence the expression of the transferrin receptor, but only of the ferritin one. Conclusion Vitamin A deficiency regulates the expression of ferritin in young male Wistar rats.

RESUMO Objetivo A deficiência de ferro e de vitamina A são duas das principais deficiências de micronutrientes, sendo que ambos são essenciais para a vida humana e o desenvolvimento das crianças. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da deficiência de vitamina A na expressão de ferritina e o receptor de transferrina e sua relação com a deficiência de ferro. Métodos Cinco dietas com diferentes proporções de vitamina A para ferro foram administradas a 35 ratos Wistar machos de 21 dias de vida (sete animais por grupo). Os animais receberam a dieta por seis semanas antes de serem eutanasiados. Os níveis séricos de ferro e retinol foram medidos como parâmetros bioquímicos. Duodeno, baço e fígado foram analisados quanto à expressão de ferritina e o receptor de transferrina por Western Blotting. Resultados Em relação aos parâmetros bioquímicos, os resultados mostram que quando a vitamina A e o ferro são insuficientes, o teor de ferro sérico (74.74µg/dL) é significativamente menor do que no grupo controle (255.86µg/dL). Os resultados também mostram que a deficiência de vitamina A não influencia a expressão do receptor da transferrina, mas da ferritina. Conclusão A deficiência de vitamina A regula a expressão de ferritina em ratos Wistar machos jovens.

Vitamin A nutritional status and associated factors among primary and middle school students in Chongqing / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To examine the vitamin A status of children and adolescents aged between 6-17 years old in Chongqing, and to analyze the influencing factors of vitamin A deficiency, providing a scientific basis for nutritional improvement measures.@*Methods@#From 2016 to 2017, a multi-stage random sampling method was used to select approximately 1 508 children and adolescents aged between 6-17 years old from three rural and three urban locations in Chongqing. This study carried out a questionnaire survey and laboratory testing, and the statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0.@*Results@#The mean vitamin A level was (1.45±0.42)μmol/L, while the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and the subclinical deficiency rate were 0.46% and 13.46%, respectively. The binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that the following factors were associated with a lower risk of vitamin A deficiency:overweight and obese students(OR=0.51); students whose mothers had a high school education or above(OR=0.35, P=0.01); students from big cities; and higher quartile albumin levels (Q 3 and Q 4). Students who did not eat meat each day(OR=2.05), students aged 6-8 years old, and students with C-reactive protein in the third (OR=2.12) and fourth (OR=4.54) higher quartiles were at a higher risk of vitamin A deficiency.@*Conclusion@#The subclinical vitamin A deficiency rate was relatively high among children aged 6-17 years old in Chongqing. Measures including nutritional education, reasonable diets, and nutritionally fortified food or fortifiers should be used when necessary.

Vitamin A deficiency in Brazilian Children younger than 5 years old: a systematic review / Deficiência de vitamina A em crianças brasileiras menores de 5 anos: revisão sistemática

Abstract Objectives: to examine the nutritional status of vitamin A in Brazilian children under 5 years old, delimiting their deficiency and associated factors. Methods: this is a systematic review of articles published between 2008 and 2018, using the SciELO, Bireme, and PubMed electronic databases. A validated instrument critically evaluated the studies. The summary measures were obtained by the random effect model, and their results are presented using the Forest Plot graph. The qualitative synthesis was based on the description of the main factors associated with Vitamin A Deficiency. Results: we included 14 cross-sectional studies with observations in basic health units, daycare centers, and households. The summary measure indicated Vitamin A Deficiency of 20% (CI95%= 17% - 23%), with high homogeneity according to the source of the sample. Lower age of the child, low birth weight, poor iron nutritional status, diarrhea, subclinical infection, inadequate basic sanitation conditions, younger mothers and less maternal educa-tion represented the main exposures associated with the outcome. Conclusion: the results show Vitamin A Deficiency as a public health problem in Brazilian children under 5 years old, especially when related to the development of infectious processes and maternal and child characteristics that show greater susceptibility.

Resumo Objetivos: examinar o estado nutricional de vitamina A em crianças brasileiras menores de 5 anos, delimitando sua deficiência e fatores associados. Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão sistemática de artigos publicados entre 2008 e 2018, a partir das bases eletrônicas SciELO, Biremee PubMed. Os estudos foram avaliados critica-mente utilizando-se um instrumento validado. As medidas de sumário foram obtidas pelo modelo de efeito aleatório, e os seus resultados apresentados por intermédio do gráfico Forest Plot. A síntese qualitativa baseou-se na descrição do principais fatores associados à Deficiência de Vitamina A. Resultados: foram incluídos 14 estudos de delineamento transversal com observações em unidades básicas de saúde, creches e domiciliares. A medida sumária apontou Deficiência de Vitamina A de 20% (IC95%= 17% - 23%), com alta homogeneidade segundo a procedência da amostra. Menor idade da criança, baixo peso ao nascer, estado nutricional de ferro defi-ciente, diarreia, infecção subclínica, condições inadequadas de saneamento básico, mães mais jovens e menor escolaridade materna representaram as principais exposições associ-adas ao desfecho. Conclusão: os resultados mostram a Deficiência de Vitamina A como problema de saúde pública nas crianças brasileiras menores de 5 anos, principalmente quando relacionada ao desenvolvimento de processos infecciosos e a características materno-infantis que denotam maior suscetibilidade.

Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study Report # 6. Opportunistic screening of vitamin A deficiency through School Sight Program in tribal Odisha (India)

Purpose: To explore the possibility of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) detection through School Sight Program (SSP) in a tribal district of Odisha, India. Methods: In a cross-sectional observational study, we tracked school children with ocular signs/symptoms of VAD to their villages. The ophthalmologist examined their under-5 siblings and other under-5 children in the village. Information pertaining to family belief and practices of food, water, sanitation, and the socioeconomic status of the family were collected. Results: The ocular features of VAD were detected in 207 of 4801 (4.3%) examined children. This included 70 children (mean age 11 ± 2.6 years) detected in the school, 22 siblings (mean age 3.2 ± 1.2 years) of these children detected at their home, and 115 children (mean age 3 ± 1.5 years) detected in their habitat. The average family size was 5.8 ± 2.02 and the birth order of the child with VAD was 2.3 ± 1.25. Most parents were farmer, living in asbestos-roofed house, depended on public underground water, and practiced open-air defecation. The distribution of VAD in 207 children was conjunctival xerosis (X1A = 207; 100% of VAD and 4.3% of all children), Bitot's spot (X1B = 169; 81.6% of VAD and 3.5% of all children), corneal scar (XS = 3; 1.4% of VAD and 0.06% of all children), and night blindness (XN = 35; 16.9% of VAD and 0.72% of all children). Conclusion: An opportunistic screening for detection of VAD through a SSP could be cost-effective and complement the existing strategy.

Prevalence of ocular morbidities among school children in Raipur district, India

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of various ocular morbidities in school children (5–15 years) utilizing a comprehensive mobile eye unit in Central India. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, school-based observational study was carried out in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India between December 2017 and September 2018. A total of 1557 eligible school-going children in the age group 5–15 years were evaluated. Random sampling was done to allocate schools (n = 29) and children from various urban and rural (836 vs 721) schools. The primary objective was to estimate the prevalence of ocular morbidities in school-going children in Raipur district, India. The secondary objective was to analyze whether geographical location (rural vs urban), age group, and gender led to any differences in ocular morbidity patterns. Results: The mean age of the study population was 10.3 ± 2.4 years. There were 691 (44.4%) boys and 866 (55.6%) girls. Ocular morbidity was present in a total of 331 (21.2%) children. Vitamin A deficiency was the most common cause of ocular morbidity, noted in 156 (10%) children, followed by refractive error (81, 5.2%). Myopia was significantly higher in urban school children (4.3%) compared to rural children (1.9%) (P = 0.002). The older age group had a higher prevalence (7.6%) of refractive error, especially myopia, compared to the younger age group (2.2%) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin A deficiency prevalence was much higher indicating missed opportunities for vitamin A supplementation at a younger age. Refractive error was more prevalent in the urban population as well in the older age group (11–15 years), indicating a need for frequent eye screening.

Suplementos dietéticos. Usos preventivos en pediatría / Dietary supplements. Preventive uses in pediatrics

La educación nutricional es una herramienta que promueve la creación de hábitos alimentarios. Los suplementos dietéticos se definen como productos elaborados con nutrientes y otros componentes presentes en los alimentos con el propósito de satisfacer las necesidades nutricionales en términos de cantidad o calidad, para mantener o mejorar el estado nutricional. La intervención nutricional apoyada en la práctica de la lactancia materna, una alimentación equilibrada, variada y con alimentos localmente disponibles, junto con el manejo adecuado de hábitos y conductas de alimentación e intervenciones en agua, saneamiento, higiene y salud; deben siempre acompañar al uso de suplementos dietéticos. Los suplementos dietéticos, especialmente los que contienen vitaminas y minerales, pueden ser empleados con fines preventivos o curativos. Existen recomendaciones preventivas en la edad pediátrica para hierro, zinc, fluor, yodo y vitaminas A y D; incluyendo el uso de micronutrientes en polvo, una estrategia para fortificar los alimentos en el hogar. El personal de salud debe manejar adecuadamente las recomendaciones preventivas de los SD de vitaminas y minerales, especialmente en la atención de los grupos más vulnerables: embarazadas, madres lactantes y niños menores de 5 años de edad(AU)

Dietary supplements are defined as products made with nutrients and other components present in foods in order to meet nutritional needs in terms of quantity or quality, to maintain or improve nutritional status. Nutritional intervention supported by the practice of breastfeeding, a balanced, varied diet with locally available foods, along with proper eating habits and behaviors and interventions in water, sanitation, hygiene and health; should always accompany the use of dietary supplements. Dietary supplements, especially those containing vitamins and minerals, can be used for preventive or curative purposes. There are preventive recommendations in the pediatric age for iron, zinc, fluoride, iodine and vitamins A and D; including the use of micronutrients powder, a strategy to fortify food at home. Health workers should adequately manage preventive recommendations for vitamin and mineral dietary supplements, especially in the care of the most vulnerable groups: pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 5 years of age(AU)

Associação entre insegurança alimentar e níveis de hemoglobina e retinol em crianças assistidas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Association between food insecurity and hemoglobin and retinol levels in children treated in the Brazilian Unified National Health System in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Asociación entre inseguridad alimentaria y niveles de hemoglobina y retinol en niños asistidos por el Sistema Único de Salud en el municipio de Río de Janeiro, Brasil

Neste trabalho foi analisada a associação entre insegurança alimentar e níveis de hemoglobina e retinol em crianças de 6 a 59 meses de idade. Trata-se de um estudo seccional, realizado em 2014, com amostra representativa da população de crianças nessa faixa etária, atendidas em unidades básicas de saúde do Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Para a análise dos níveis de insegurança alimentar foi utilizada a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar e, para a determinação de hemoglobina e de retinol sérico, foi realizada a punção venosa. A associação entre as variáveis foi avaliada por intermédio de modelos de regressão quantílica. Do total de crianças estudadas, 40,3% apresentavam insegurança alimentar e as prevalências de anemia e de deficiência de vitamina A foram 13,7% e 13%, respectivamente. Os resultados do estudo revelaram associação inversa, estatisticamente significativa, entre insegurança alimentar leve e níveis de retinol. Para os demais níveis de insegurança alimentar (moderada e grave), os resultados também sugerem a presença de associação inversa para hemoglobina e, quanto aos níveis de retinol, as estimativas pontuais parecem menores em crianças com insegurança alimentar grave, entretanto, estas estimativas não foram estatisticamente significativas. Esses resultados sugerem que a insegurança alimentar pode estar associada com carências de micronutrientes em crianças menores de 5 anos.

This study analyzed the association between food insecurity and hemoglobin and retinol levels in children 6 to 59 months of age. This was a cross-sectional study in 2014 with a representative sample of children in this age bracket treated at basic health units in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Analysis of food insecurity levels used the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, and venipuncture was performed for measurement of serum hemoglobin and retinol levels. The association between variables used quantile regression models. Of all the children in the sample, 40.3% presented food insecurity, and the prevalence rates for anemia and vitamin A deficiency were 13.7% and 13%, respectively. The study's results revealed a statistically significant inverse association between mild food insecurity and retinol levels. For the other levels of food insecurity (moderate and severe), the results also suggest an inverse association for hemoglobin, and for retinol levels the point estimates appear smaller in children with severe food insecurity, but these estimates were not statistically significant. These results suggest that food insecurity may be associated with micronutrient deficiencies in children under 5 years.

En este estudio se analizó la asociación entre la inseguridad alimentaria y los niveles de hemoglobina y retinol en niños de 6 a 59 meses de edad. Se trata de un estudio seccional, realizado en 2014, con una muestra representativa de la población de niños en esta franja etaria, atendida en unidades básicas de salud del Municipio de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Para el análisis de los niveles de inseguridad alimentaria se utilizó la Escala Brasileña de Inseguridad Alimentaria y, para la determinación de hemoglobina y de retinol sérico, se realizó una punción venosa. La asociación entre las variables se evaluó a través de modelos de regresión cuantílica. Del total de niños estudiados, un 40,3% presentaban inseguridad alimentaria y las prevalencias de anemia y de deficiencia de vitamina A fueron 13,7% y 13%, respectivamente. Los resultados del estudio revelaron una asociación inversa, estadísticamente significativa, entre inseguridad alimentaria leve y niveles de retinol. Para los demás niveles de inseguridad alimentaria (moderada y grave), los resultados también sugieren la presencia de una asociación inversa para la hemoglobina, y, en cuanto a los niveles de retinol, las estimaciones puntuales parecen menores en niños con inseguridad alimentaria grave, sin embargo, estas estimaciones no fueron estadísticamente significativas. Estos resultados sugieren que la inseguridad alimentaria puede estar asociada con carencias de micronutrientes en niños menores de 5 años.

Serum vitamin A among children aged 0-16 in Nantong / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the serum vitamin A level of children aged 0-16 years in Nantong City, and to provide reference for scientific supplement of vitamin A for children and prevention of related diseases.@*Methods@#A cross-sectional survey method was used to detect the serum vitamin A level of 3 271 children aged 0-16 years old by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in Nantong Maternal and Child Health hospital from January 2017 to December 2018, and the general information of children was collected.@*Results@#The results showed that the average serum vitamin A concentration of 0-16 years old children was(0.31±0.08)mg/L, boys was(0.31±0.08)mg/L, which was lower than that of girls(0.32±0.09)mg/L. The proportion of insufficient and deficient vitamin A in boys was higher than that in girls(P<0.01); The levels of serum vitamin A were different by age groups, from high to low were >12~16, >6~12, >3~6, >1~3, ≤1 years old, the difference was statistically significant(F=3.48，P<0.05). The results showed that the proportion of normal, insufficient and deficient vitamin A in rural children were 51.2%, 43.5% and 5.3%, respectively. The proportion of vitamin A deficiency and deficiency in rural children was higher than that in urban areas(χ2=18.86，P<0.01).@*Conclusion@#The proportion of vitamin A insufficieng and deficiency among children in Nantong is higher, boys show worse vitamin A status compared of girls. More attention should be paid to these children and prevention of related diseases.

Survey of vitamin A nutritional status of primary and secondary school students in Qiongzhong,2014-2017 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand vitamin A level of middle and primary school students in Qiongzhong Area in Hainan Province implementing the "Nutritional Compulsory Education Student Nutrition Improvement Plan" (hereinafter referred to as "Student Nutrition Plan"), and to provide suggestions for the followup implementation of student nutrition improvement work.@*Methods@#The multi-stage cluster sampling method was used to select three junior high schools and elementary schools in Qiongzhong County, Hainan Province, and students from 1-2 classes from each grade were randomly selected as survey objects. In March 2014, November 2015, December 2016 and December 2017, fasting venous blood was collected from students and serum vitamin A (Retinol) levels were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography.@*Results@#From 2014 to 2017, vitamin A levels were (358.77±88.44) (333.54±81.91) (345.84±86.08) (370.70±87.94)μg/L respectively, the subclinical deficiency rate of vitamin A were 22.3%, 31.6%, 27.9%, 18.0%, the vitamin A level of elementary school students were (332.92±71.80) (315.34±73.41) (327.44±77.02) (356.84±80.88)μg/L, the vitamin A level of junior high school students were (412.20±95.56) (383.20±83.53) (396.63±89.48) (411.60±95.14)μg/L, the difference were statistically significant by year (F=26.43, 4.01, P<0.05); vitamin A level and vitamin A subclinical rate of primary school students showed differences by year in both gender. The deficiency rate was statistically significant regardless of the annual difference between men and women(P<0.05); there was no statistically significant difference in the annual rate of vitamin A deficiency and sub-clinical vitamin A deficiency among junior high school students of different grades and genders (χ2=0.85, 2.08, 1.40, 2.36, P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#The implementation of "Student Nutrition Plan" in Qiongzhong area of Hainan Province shows pasitive effect on the vitamin A nutritional status of students. It’s suggested that prevention should be further strengthened, and nutrition knowledge publicity should be promoted.

Effect of maternal vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy on neurodevelopment of offspring / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Vitamin A (VA) is a fat-soluble vitamin with all-trans-retinoic biological activities. In addition to maintaining the normal functions of the eye, skin, immune, and reproductive systems, VA is also widely distributed in brain tissues, and important to the generation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells in the developing nervous system. Pregnant women are susceptible to vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Retinoic acid, the active form of VA, is very important to the brain development of offspring. This article reviews the literatures of maternal VAD during pregnancy, summarizing the risk factors of maternal VAD during pregnancy, and the research findings of the effects of maternal VAD during pregnancy on offspring neurodevelopment based on both human studies and animal experiments, and the possible underlying mechanisms by which maternal VAD affects the development of embryonic layers, brain structures, hippocampal synaptic transmission, and the biological clock in offspring.

Pesquisa Translacional em vitamina A: do ensaio randomizado à intervenção e à avaliação do impacto / Translational Research on vitamin A: from randomized trial to intervention and impact assessment

RESUMO A Pesquisa Translacional é interdisciplinar e está apoiada em três pilares: pesquisa de bancada (básica), leito (aplicações clínicas) e comunidade (aplicações nos sistemas de saúde). O estudo, baseado nos cinco estágios da Pesquisa Translacional, resgatou o histórico da deficiência de vitamina A e da cegueira nutricional no Brasil (T0); o caminho da descoberta científica à escolha da intervenção - suplementação vitamínica (T1); a avaliação da eficácia da intervenção candidata por ensaio randomizado e controlado (T2); a avaliação da implementação e da cobertura na prática (T3); e a avaliação do impacto da intervenção (T4). Para verificar o impacto, aplicou-se a estatística superior de Wald, visando identificar quebras estruturais ao longo da série histórica da mortalidade geral de crianças entre 6 e 59 meses de idade. Para a região Nordeste, que apresentou a maior cobertura programática, o modelo sinalizou três quebras - agosto/1984, junho/1994 e maio/2006 -, nas quais foram estimadas reduções de 10%, 17% e 23%, respectivamente, na ocorrência mensal de óbitos infantis. O processo para a construção do conhecimento sobre a deficiência desta vitamina, a escolha da intervenção, a aplicação deste conhecimento no estabelecimento do Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Vitamina A e a avaliação do seu impacto configuram um exemplo de Pesquisa Translacional em saúde coletiva.

ABSTRACT Translational Research is interdisciplinary and supported by three pillars: bench (basic investigation), bedside (clinical applications) and community (applications in healthcare systems). The study, based on the five stages of translational research, reviewed the history of vitamin A deficiency and nutritional blindness in Brazil (T0); the pathway from scientific discovery to intervention choice - vitamin supplementation (T1); an assessment of the candidate intervention efficacy via randomized controlled trial (T2); the assessment of implementation and coverage in practice (T3) and the intervention impact assessment (T4). To estimate the impact, we applied Wald superior statistics to identify structural breaks along the time series of general mortality of children between 6 and 59 months of age. In the Northeast, region that presents the largest program coverage, the model pointed to three breaks: August/1984, June/1994 and May/2006, in which we estimated reductions of 10%, 17% and 23%, respectively, in the monthly incidence of children´s death. The process to construct knowledge about vitamin A deficiency, the choice of the intervention, the knowledge translation to establish the National Vitamin A Supplementation Program and the evaluation of its impact, constitute an example of translational research in collective health.

Optimal Conditions for Production of Fermented Flour from Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) for Infant Foods

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for production of a fermented pumpkin flour by lactic fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum and the effect of the fermentation on nutritional potential and functional properties of pumpkin. To achieve this, pumpkin fruit was collected in the Ngaoundere main market, peeled, sliced, and the flesh obtained was grated, pasteurized at 90ºC for 5 minutes and placed under lactic fermentation using L. plantarum (108 cfu/mL). The sample obtained was dried at 45ºC ± 2ºC for 24 hours and crushed to obtain a flour with particle size ≤ 500 µm. According to the Doehlert's plan used, time and temperature of fermentation varied from 24 to 96 hours and 30 to 50°C respectively. Responses sought were the optimal levels of total carotenoids and reducing sugars in the flours. Chemical composition of flour was determined to evaluate the effect of fermentation on food matrix used. Results indicate that to produce a pumpkin flour with highest content in both carotenoids and reducing sugars, optimal conditions of lactic fermentation with L. plantarum are 70h at 45°C. Under these conditions, there is a decrease of 72.1% of proteins and 67% of fibers, against an increase of 106% of reducing sugars. Total carotenoids content decreased by 4.6%, but the level is still higher than the threshold recommended for infant food formulation, while mineral content increases with fermentation. A reduction of anti-nutrients (phytates, tannins, phenolic compounds and oxalates) of more than 50% is also observed when fermenting pumpkin. The functional properties of fermented pulp show a decrease of water absorption capacity of 24% and an increase of 134.4% in bulk density. Fermented pumpkin flour could be used in infant food formulation, but need to be associated with other sources of proteins and minerals.