Review
doi: 10.1186/1475-2875-8-134.Malaria and vitamin A deficiency in African children: a vicious circle?
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- PMID:19534807
- PMCID: PMC2702350
- DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-8-134
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Review
Malaria and vitamin A deficiency in African children: a vicious circle?
Miguel A Sanjoaquin et al. Malar J..
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Abstract
Vitamin A deficiency and malaria are both highly prevalent health problems in Africa. Vitamin A deficiency affects over 30 million children, most of whom are in the age-group (under five years) most affected by malaria. Vitamin A deficiency increases all-cause mortality in this part of the population, and malaria is an important cause of death in children at this age. A low serum retinol concentration (a marker of vitamin A deficiency) is commonly found in children suffering from malaria, but it is not certain whether this represents pre-existing vitamin A deficiency, a contribution of malaria to vitamin A deficiency, or merely an acute effect of malaria on retinol metabolism or binding. In this paper, available evidence in support of a causal relationship in each direction between vitamin A deficiency and malaria is reviewed. If such a relationship exists, and especially if this is bidirectional, interventions against either disease may convey an amplified benefit for health.
Figures
Distribution of vitamin deficiency in African pre-school children. Vitamin A deficiency is defined as serum retinol <0.70 μmol/L. These data are broadly based on surveys conducted during the year 2000 and 2003.
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