Hipovitaminosis "A": serum vitamin "A" content and cacotene level in the State of S. Paulo, Brazil, seaside populations

Abstract

It was examined populations from the Vale do Ribeira (São Paulo State) as far as vitamin A deficiency is concerned. Measurements of serum vitamin A and carotene were carried out. Data from a nutritional survey perfomed by Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, in the city of Iguape and the villages of Icapara and Pontal do Ribeira, were used. The results of the nutritional, clinical and biochemical surveys were discussed. It was concluded that hipovitaminosis A in this area constitutes a public health problem according to the concept of the Pan-American Sanitary Organization.