Vitamin A deficiency in children increases vulnerability to infections. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 190 million children under the age of 5 may be vitamin A deficient. Despite widespread efforts, vitamin A programs do not reach all children who could benefit. Children in low and middle income countries should be given vitamin A supplements to prevent death and illness, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal August 29, 2011.
In the analysis of over 43 trials using vitamin A the study authors found vitamin A supplements reduced child mortality by 24% in low and middle income countries. It may also reduce mortality and disability by preventing measles, diarrhea and vision problems, including night blindness.
If the risk of death for 190 million vitamin A deficient children were reduced by the calculated 24%, over 600,000 lives would be saved each year and 20 million disability-adjusted life years (a measure of quantity and quality of life) would be gained.
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