Vitamin A Deficiency: Health, Survival, and Vision

Vitamin A Deficiency: Health, Survival, and Vision

Many studies over the past decade and a half have indicated that vitamin A status is an important determinant of health. The World Bank now estimates that vitamin A intervention programs are some of the most cost-effective health strategies globally. This new book, written by leading investigators in the field, is the first to synthesize the many important studies to date. The authors identify and quantify the biological, clinical and public health impact of vitamin A deficiency on childhood growth, mortality and morbidity, including anemia and blindness. They deal with the epidemiologic and biological basis of these findings, and with the prevention and treatment of these disorders, particularly of measles, diarrhea and xeorophthalmia. Alternative approaches to identifying individuals and populations in need of intervention, alternative strategies for improving vitamin A and carotenoids, and the relationship between vitamin A and immunity are discussed. This comprehensive volume on a critically important and widespread nutritional deficiency will serve as a unique resource for nutritionists, physicians, public health workers and policy makers, and will be especially relevant to clinicians and researchers in international health. "This monograph from the group at John Hopkins that leads the world in this field will be an essential reference source for many years to come."--Xerophthalmia Club Bulletin"A mass of up-to-date and pertinent information in a coherent, interesting, and easily assimiliable form. The strength of this work lies in its in-depth reviews of three major topics: The consequences of vitamin A deficiency, assessment of vitamin A status and prevention of deficiency, and mechanisms of the activity of vitamin A....The supurb color photographs of xerophalmia could well serve to train health care workers."--The New England Journal of Medicine"This comprehensive scholarly volume chronicles this fascinating ocular and nutritional saga....The binding, cover, and printing quality are superior, in keeping with Oxford Medical Publications' tradition....The scientific value of this work cannot be overstated....The authors and their contributors are to be congratulated for this exceptional scientific literary achievement...The definitive reference for all opththalmologists, epidemiologists, public health planners, eye health care workers, and nutritionists who are seriously concerned about vitamin A deficiency as a cause of human ocular morbidity, blindness, and mortality."--American Journal of Ophthalmology"Most useful to nutrition professionals who are involved in developing and implementing community-based programs to combat vitamin A defiency....Clinicians and other health professionals should also find this to be a valuable resource text."--Journal of the American Dietetic Association"The authors of this outstanding book are productive collaborators who have contributed a great deal to out knowledge of the epidemiology of vitamin A deficiency, to its detection, and most importantly, to successful intervention....This excellent book deserves attention not only by researchers interested in vitamin A deficiency but also by those who would like to learn which steps should be taken to alleviate and prevent the deleterious effects of any nutritional deficiency."--The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"The scientific value of this work cannot be overstated. The authors and their contributors are to be congradulated for this exceptional scientific literary achievement...Definitive reference for all ophthalmologists, epidemiologists, public health planners, eye health care workers, and nutritionists."--American Journal of Ophthalmology Alfred Sommer is at The Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. Keith P. West is at The Johns Hopkins University.