Liver is widely eaten by preschool children in the Northern Cape province of South Africa: Implications for routine vitamin A supplementation.

Previous research has demonstrated a virtual absence of vitamin A deficiency and adequacy of vitamin A intake through consumption of liver in preschool children of a community in the Northern Cape province of South Africa where sheep farming is common, and liver, an exceptionally rich source of vitamin A, is frequently eaten. Only 60-75 g of liver per month is needed to meet the vitamin A requirement of preschool children. Because this may have implications for routine vitamin A supplementation, and because liver consumption for the rest of the province is unknown, the study aim was to establish the prevalence and frequency of liver intake in a provincial-wide survey.

Serum retinol in post-partum mothers and newborns from an impoverished South African community where liver is frequently eaten and vitamin A deficiency is absent.

Serum retinol was assessed in mothers and newborns from an impoverished South African community where liver is frequently eaten and vitamin A deficiency known to be absent. Paired cord and maternal blood (n = 201) were collected after delivery and analysed for serum retinol and C-reactive protein (CRP). Liver intake during pregnancy and intention to breastfeed were also assessed.

Low intake of calcium and vitamin D, but not zinc, iron or vitamin A, is associated with stunting in 2- to 5-year-old children.

Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined the nutritional factors associated with the high levels of stunting in 2- to 5-y-old children in an impoverished South African setting where liver is frequently eaten and vitamin A deficiency known to be absent.

Methods: Children's dietary intake was assessed by a single 24-h recall. Heights and weights were measured and information was obtained on breast-feeding history, the child's habitual milk intake, as well as substance use by the mother during pregnancy (n = 150).

Vitamin A and anthropometric status of South African preschool children from four areas with known distinct eating patterns.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the vitamin A and anthropometric status of South African preschool children from four areas with known distinct eating patterns.

Methods: Serum retinol, anthropometric indicators, and dietary intake were determined for randomly selected preschool children from two rural areas, i.e.

Liver intake in 24-59-month-old children from an impoverished South African community provides enough vitamin A to meet requirements.

Objective: To assess the contribution of liver to the vitamin A intake of 24-59-month-old children from an impoverished South African community where liver is frequently consumed and vitamin A deficiency previously shown to be absent.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Northern Cape Province, South Africa.

Serum retinol in 1-6-year-old children from a low socio-economic South African community with a high intake of liver: implications for blanket vitamin A supplementation.

Objective: To assess serum retinol, liver intake patterns, breast-feeding history and anthropometric status in pre-school children of a low socio-economic community where liver is regularly consumed.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Northern Cape Province, South Africa.