Carotenoid-Rich Bananas: A Potential Food Source for Alleviating Vitamin A Deficiency

2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lois Englberger ◽  
Ian Darnton-Hill ◽  
Terry Coyne ◽  
Maureen H. Fitzgerald ◽  
Geoffrey C. Marks
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Food Source ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Carotenoid Content ◽  
Potential Food Source ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Potential Food

This review article points out that bananas are an important food for many people in the world. Thus, banana cultivars rich in provitamin A carotenoids may offer a potential food source for alleviating vitamin A deficiency, particularly in developing countries. Many factors are associated with the presently known food sources of vitamin A that limit their effectiveness in improving vitamin A status. Acceptable carotenoid-rich banana cultivars have been identified in Micronesia, and some carotenoid-rich bananas have been identified elsewhere. Bananas are an ideal food for young children and families for many regions of the world, because of their sweetness, texture, portion size, familiarity, availability, convenience, versatility, and cost. Foods containing high levels of carotenoids have been shown to protect against chronic disease, including certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Because the coloration of the edible flesh of the banana appears to be a good indicator of likely carotenoid content, it may be possible to develop a simple method for selecting carotenoid-rich banana cultivars in the community. Research is needed on the identification of carotenoid-rich cultivars, targeting those areas of the world where bananas are a major staple food; investigating factors affecting production, consumption, and acceptability; and determining the impact that carotenoid-rich bananas may have on improving vitamin A status. Based on these results, interventions should be undertaken for initiating or increasing homestead and commercial production.

scholarly journals Cassava with enhanced β-carotene maintains adequate vitamin A status in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) despite substantial cis-isomer content

2009 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. 342-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A. Howe ◽  
Bussie Maziya-Dixon ◽  
Sherry A. Tanumihardjo
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Meriones Unguiculatus ◽  
Provitamin A ◽  
Carotenoid Content ◽  
Mongolian Gerbils ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
Isomer Content ◽  
Β Carotene

Efforts to increase β-carotene in cassava have been successful, but the ability of high-β-carotene cassava to prevent vitamin A deficiency has not been determined. Two studies investigated the bioefficacy of provitamin A in cassava and compared the effects of carotenoid content and variety on vitamin A status in vitamin A-depleted Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Gerbils were fed a vitamin A-free diet 4 weeks prior to treatment. In Expt 1, treatments (ten gerbils per group) included 45 % high-β-carotene cassava, β-carotene and vitamin A supplements (intake matched to high-β-carotene cassava group), and oil control. In Expt 2, gerbils were fed cassava feeds with 1·8 or 4·3 nmol provitamin A/g prepared with two varieties. Gerbils were killed after 4 weeks. For Expt 1, liver vitamin A was higher (P < 0·05) in the vitamin A (1·45 (sd 0·23) μmol/liver), lower in the control (0·43 (sd 0·10) μmol/liver), but did not differ from the β-carotene group (0·77 (sd 0·12) μmol/liver) when compared with the high-β-carotene cassava group (0·69 (sd 0·20) μmol/liver). The bioconversion factor was 3·7 μg β-carotene to 1 μg retinol (2 mol:1 mol), despite 48 % cis-β-carotene [(Z)-β-carotene] composition in cassava. In Expt 2, cassava feed with 4·3 nmol provitamin A/g maintained vitamin A status. No effect of cassava variety was observed. Serum retinol concentrations did not differ. β-Carotene was detected in livers of gerbils receiving cassava and supplements, but the cis-to-trans ratio in liver differed from intake. Biofortified cassava adequately maintained vitamin A status and was as efficacious as β-carotene supplementation in the gerbil model.

scholarly journals National immunisation days and vitamin A distribution in Mali: has the vitamin A status of pre-school children improved?

2003 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
JF Schémann ◽  
A Banou ◽  
D Malvy ◽  
A Guindo ◽  
L Traore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Mass Distribution ◽  
School Children ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
National Immunisation ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjective:The impact on vitamin A status of the distribution of vitamin A during national immunisation days (NIDs) has not been well established despite strong promotion by international agencies and donors. Using a pre–post design, the change in prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was examined in pre-school children in Mali.Design:Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Mopti region, the first in March 1997 before this strategy was adopted and the second in March 1999, four-and-a-half months after a mass distribution of vitamin A during NIDs.Subjects and setting:We compared the vitamin A status of children aged 12 to 66 months targeted in 1999 by NIDs with the status of children in the same age group in 1997. Infectious events of the previous two weeks were concurrently recorded. Within the 1999 sample, the status of recipient and non-recipient children was also compared.Results:In 1997, the prevalence of xerophthalmia (defined by the presence of night blindness and/or Bitot spots) was 6.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.1–9.2) and the modified retinol dose response (MRDR) test proved abnormal in 77.8% of 12–66-month-old children (95% CI 68.27–85.17). In 1999 this picture had improved significantly, both for xerophthalmia prevalence, 3.3% (95% CI 2.1–5.2), and abnormal MRDR test response, 63.1% (95% CI 54.25–71.23). The infectious morbidity rates between 1997 and 1999 tended to decrease. No significant improvement was found among children older than those targeted by NIDs. In 1999, children who received vitamin A had a lower risk for xerophthalmia (3.0% for recipients vs. 8.7% for non-recipients) and experienced fewer infectious events.Conclusions:The clinical and biological vitamin A status of pre-school children improved between 1997 and 1999. Mass distribution of vitamin A appears to reduce the occurrence of xerophthalmia and would seem to be associated with a decrease in other related illnesses. Vitamin A supplementation during NIDs should be given a high priority when vitamin A deficiency remains a public health problem.

scholarly journals High dose vitamin A capsules – Rusty bullets?

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Ane B Fisker ◽  
Ted Greiner
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Magic Bullet ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
The Impact ◽  
High Dose Vitamin

High-dose vitamin A capsules (HDVAC) are distributed to preschool children in low-income countries on the assumption that they reduce mortality and treat vitamin A deficiency. As for other so-called magic bullet approaches, donors and policy makers consider their large-scale distribution highly cost-effective. Consequently, other ways to improve vitamin A status have received less attention; both donors and governments assume HDVAC are doing most of what needs to be done. Yet, the only evidence for an effect on mortality comes from 25-year-old studies and this effect no longer appears to be substantial. Surprisingly, impact evaluations have been absent. The only study that might be considered an effectiveness or impact evaluation found HDVAC had no effect in northern India. It is not widely appreciated that the impact of HDVAC on vitamin A status is limited, temporary and not cumulative over time. Nor can it be given to women except immediately after giving birth, and thus it is an inappropriate intervention for tackling vitamin A deficiency. To ensure that we use limited resources wisely, we need to identity and scale up strategies which combat vitamin A deficiency and reduce mortality.

Research Recommendations for Applying Vitamin A-Labelled Isotope Dilution Techniques to Improve Human Vitamin A Nutrition

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 52-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry A. Tanumihardjo ◽  
Anura V. Kurpad ◽  
Janet R. Hunt
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
The Body ◽  
Pool Size ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
Status Assessment ◽  
Total Body

The current use of serum retinol concentrations as a measurement of subclinical vitamin A deficiency is unsatisfactory for many reasons. The best technique available for vitamin A status assessment in humans is the measurement of total body pool size. Pool size is measured by the administration of retinol labelled with stable isotopes of carbon or hydrogen that are safe for human subjects, with subsequent measurement of the dilution of the labelled retinol within the body pool. However, the isotope techniques are time-consuming, technically challenging, and relatively expensive. There is also a need to assess different types of tracers and doses, and to establish clear guidelines for the use and interpretation of this method in different populations. Field-friendly improvements are desirable to encourage the application of this technique in developing countries where the need is greatest for monitoring the risk of vitamin A deficiency, the effectiveness of public health interventions, and the potential of hypervitaminosis due to combined supplement and fortification programs. These techniques should be applied to validate other less technical methods of assessing vitamin A deficiency. Another area of public health relevance for this technique is to understand the bioconversion of β-carotene to vitamin A, and its relation to existing vitamin A status, for future dietary diversification programs.

Genotype Effects on β-Carotene Conversion to Vitamin A: Implications on Reducing Vitamin A Deficiency in the Philippines

2021 ◽  
pp. 037957212110602
Author(s):  
Mark Pretzel P. Zumaraga ◽  
Jose Maria Reynaldo Apollo Arquiza ◽  
Mae Anne Concepcion ◽  
Leah Perlas ◽  
Ma. Neda Alcudia-Catalma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
National Capital Region ◽  
Nutrition Survey ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
Genotype Frequencies

Background: The study aimed to identify two beta-carotene 15,15′-monooxygenase (BCMO1) mutations, namely R267S and A379V, and determine their association with vitamin A status among Filipinos 6 to 19 years old respondents of the 2013 Philippine National Nutrition Survey living in the National Capital Region. Materials and Methods: This study followed cross-sectional design. Whole blood specimen was collected in the morning and was used as source of genomic DNA and serum for retinol concentration determination. Fisher exact test was performed to determine whether genotype frequencies were associated to retinol concentrations/vitamin A deficiency status. A level of P < .05 was identified as significant. Results: A total of 693 Filipino children and adolescents were included. Of the 693, there were at least 7.6% who bears the combined mutations for R267S + A379V. Association analysis showed that an inverse relationship exists between the A379V TT variant and vitamin A status. Although the exact role of these identified polymorphisms on retinol/carotenoid metabolism need to be confirmed in dedicated functional studies. Conclusion: This study has identified for the first time the presence of 2 nonsynonymous genetic variants/mutations in the coding region of BCMO1 gene. Interestingly, one of these two variants, the A379V T, was found to be associated with vitamin A status. It is, therefore, warranted to investigate the role of BCMO1 variants for the success of supplementation programs and fortification efforts among vulnerable populations in this region. Genetic variability should be considered for future provitamin A supplementation recommendations among children and adolescents in the Philippines.

scholarly journals Early neonatal vitamin A supplementation and infant mortality: an individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

2018 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Infant Mortality ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Population Characteristics ◽  
Infant Survival ◽  
Vitamin A Supplementation ◽  
Maternal Vitamin ◽  
Early Infant ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundBiannual vitamin A supplementation is a well-established survival tool for preschool children 6 months and older in vitamin A deficient populations but this schedule misses the opportunity to intervene on most young infant deaths. Randomised trials of neonatal vitamin A supplementation (NVAS) in the first few days of life to assess its impact on under 6-month mortality in low/middle-income countries have had varying results.MethodsInvestigators of 11 published randomised placebo-controlled NVAS trials (n=163 567 children) reanalysed their data according to an agreed plan and pooled the primary outcomes of mortality from supplementation through 6 and 12 months of age using random effects models and meta-regression. One investigator withdrew but allowed use of the data.FindingsOverall there was no effect of NVAS on infant survival through 6 (risk ratio (RR) 0.97; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.06) or 12 months of age (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.08) but results varied by study population characteristics.NVAS significantly reduced 6-month mortality among the trials conducted in Southern Asia (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.77 to 0.98), in contexts with moderate or severe vitamin A deficiency (defined as 10% or higher proportion of women with serum retinol <0.7 µmol/L or 5% or more women with night blindness) (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.94), early infant mortality was 30 or more per 1000 live births (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98), 75% or more of infant mortality occurred in the first 6 months of life (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.84 to 1.01), or where >32% mothers had no schooling (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.96). NVAS did not reduce mortality in the first 6 months of life in trials conducted in Africa, in contexts characterised by a low prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, lower rates of infant mortality and where maternal education was more prevalent. There was a suggestion of increased infant mortality in trials conducted in Africa (RR 1.07; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.15).Individual-level characteristics such as sex, birth weight, gestational age and size, age at dosing, parity, time of breast feeding initiation, maternal education and maternal vitamin A supplementation did not modify the impact of NVAS.ConclusionNVAS reduced infant mortality in South Asia, in contexts where the prevalence of maternal vitamin A deficiency is moderate to severe and early infant mortality is high; but it had no beneficial effect on infant survival in Africa, in contexts where the prevalence of maternal vitamin A deficiency is lower, early infant mortality is low.

scholarly journals Vitamin A Supplementation and Child Morbidity and Mortality in Developing Countries

1994 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
George H. Beaton ◽  
Reynaldo Martorell ◽  
Kristan A. Aronson ◽  
Barry Edmonston ◽  
George McCabe. A. Catharine Ross ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
Child Morbidity ◽  
Age Profile ◽  
Mortality Trials ◽  
Low Prevalence

A meta-analysis of eight mortality trials indicates that improving the vitamin A status of children aged six months to five years reduced mortality rates by about 23% in populations with at least low prevalence of clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency. The observed effect of supplementation, described in terms of relative risk (RR), was RR =0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.68–0.88; p < .001) and did not differ by sex or age. However, the number of lives saved was greater at younger ages because of higher mortality. A significant RR was shown for deaths attributed to diarrhoea and measles, but not for respiratory infection. Variability among the trials in effects was apparent, but attempts to explain it by descriptors of the population (baseline anthropometric status, prevalence of xerophthalmia, age profile, baseline mortality) were unsuccessful. Owing to the lack of data, firm conclusions could not be reached about effectiveness in children of less than six months and in settings where biochemical but not clinical evidence of vitamin A deficiency exists. Information about morbidity outcomes from about two dozen studies was reviewed. No consistent effects on frequency or prevalence of diarrhoeal and respiratory infections were found. Improvement in vitamin A status did appear to reduce severe morbidity, particularly in children with measles.

Vitamin A Status and Hepatic Drug Metabolism in the Rat

1973 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. C. Becking
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Drug Metabolism ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Hepatic Drug Metabolism ◽  
Deficient Diet ◽  
Hepatic Drug ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
Cytochrome P 450 ◽  
Liver Vitamin

The effect of vitamin A status on hepatic drug metabolism was studied in rats. Animals were fed diets with and without vitamin A for 20 and 25 days. Weight gains of control and deficient animals were not significantly different, whereas liver vitamin A levels had decreased to less than 10% of control animals after 20 days and were essentially zero after eating the deficient diet for 25 days. Aniline metabolism in vitro and aminopyrine metabolism in vitro and in vivo were significantly lower in male weanling rats fed a vitamin A deficient diet for 20 days. No alteration in in vitro p-nitrobenzoic acid metabolism was noted after 25 days on the test. Vitamin A deficiency did not alter microsomal protein levels or cytochrome c reductase activity but deficient animals did have a lower microsomal cytochrome P-450 content. Hepatic enzyme activities and cytochrome P-450 levels were restored to values approaching those found in control animals by feeding vitamin A deficient rats the vitamin A containing diet for 21 days. Liver vitamin A levels were markedly increased after re-feeding studies but were still significantly lower than control animals.

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