Vitamin A Deficiency: The Nature and Magnitude of the Problem

Abstract

Xerophthalmia due to vitamin A deficiency is one of the major nutritional deficiency disorders affecting mankind at the present time. It is important to consider it at two levels. At the first level, that of vitamin A deficiency itself, entire populations in many developing countries are affected to a varying degree. At the second level, that of severe deficiency resulting in blindness due to xerophthalmia, we are primarily concerned with the vulnerable groups of very young children and to a lesser extent pregnant and lactating women.