Vitamin A Intakes and Status of School-Aged Children in High-Risk Areas of the Philippines

BackgroundVitamin A (VA) deficiency affects approximately 15% of preschool-aged children in the Philippines (serum retinol <0.7 μmol/L). Data on school-aged children are lacking.ObjectiveTo characterize intake of VA-rich foods and VA status among school-aged children in 3 areas of the Philippines at high risk of undernutrition.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study, randomly selecting n = 520 children from primary schools in 3 high-risk provinces. We collected data on household characteristics, past-week food intake, and children's weights and heights. Venous blood samples were drawn and analyzed for plasma retinol, C-reactive protein, and α₁-acid glycoprotein.ResultsMost children (96.7%) had consumed preformed VA-rich foods at least once in the prior week, mainly eggs and fortified foods, with a median consumption frequency of 7 times [p25, p75: 4, 12]. While 93.7% had consumed proVA-rich foods-mainly dark green leafy vegetables-the frequency was lower (5 times [2, 9]). Approximately one-quarter took multinutrient supplements (median 600 μg retinol equivalents [400, 1185]). The mean (± SD) plasma retinol concentration was 0.95 ± 0.23 μmol/L. The prevalence of VA deficiency (retinol <0.70 μmol/L) was 13.6% (4.9% adjusted for inflammation), and 59.0% (52.0% adjusted for inflammation) had marginal status (0.70-1.05 μmol/L).ConclusionsThe VA status of school-aged children in high-risk areas was similar to that of preschool-aged children nationally. Despite adjusting for inflammation, most children were classified as having marginal VA status that could be improved by increasing intake of the available preformed and proVA-rich foods in the study area.