Consumption of potentially fortifiable foods by women and young children varies by ecological zone and socio-economic status in Cameroon.

In preparation for a proposed large-scale food fortification program in Cameroon, we completed a nationally representative, cross-sectional, cluster survey to assess the consumption patterns of four potentially fortifiable foods (refined vegetable oil, wheat flour, sugar, and bouillon cube) by women and children. Thirty clusters were randomly chosen in each of three ecologic zones (south, north, and large cities) and 10 households (HH) per cluster were selected, each with a child 12-59 mo old and a primary female caregiver 15-49 y old (total 1002 HH). Blood samples were collected and food consumption was assessed by FFQ and 24-h dietary recall.

Plasma retinol-binding protein predicts plasma retinol concentration in both infected and uninfected Cameroonian women and children.

Variation in the relationship between plasma retinol-binding protein (RBP) and retinol (ROH) has implications for vitamin A (VA) status assessment using RBP. Our objectives were to identify factors affecting the RBP:ROH relationship and to derive and evaluate population-specific RBP cutoffs for VA deficiency (VAD) in Cameroon. Plasma RBP, C-reactive protein (CRP), α1-acid-glycoprotein (AGP), and ROH concentrations were compared in a subsample of women 15-49 y (n = 121) and children 12-59 mo (n = 123) included in a national survey conducted in 2009.