Objectives
The objective of the study was to determine the Vitamin A and iodine status of children 6-59 months in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Methods
Eighty four children (6-59 months) from Kaduna State, Nigeria participated in the study. Blood samples (5ml) were drawn from the children using syringes and needles by venipuncture. The blood samples were allowed to clot and centrifuged to obtain serum, which were analyzed using standard method for vitamin A (retinol). Vitamin A deficiency was determined as serum retinol < 10g/l. Urine samples (0.5-1.0 ml) were collected for urinary iodine excretion (UIE). The samples were analyzed using standard method. Normal iodine level was determined as UIE >10mcg/dl, mild iodine deficiency as <5.0 - 9.9 mcg/dl and severe iodine deficiency as 2.0 â 4.90 mcg/dl.
Results
About 96.4% of the children had normal vitamin A status while 3.6% were vitamin A deficient, 70.2% of the children had normal iodine status, 28.6% had mild iodine deficiency and 1.2% had severe iodine deficiency.
Conclusions
Vitamin A and iodine deficiency were observed in some under 5 children in Kaduna State, Nigeria. There is need for nutrition education programmes to provide information on dietary practices that could improve the Vitamin A and iodine status of the under 5 children.
