Restoring the balance.

Iron and vitamin A deficiencies are the most widespread nutrition deficiencies in the world today affecting as many as 3.5 billion people (International Food Policy Research Institute 2001). Vitamin A plays a vital role in the growth and repair of body tissues and is particularly important in maintaining good eyesight and healthy skin as well as aiding in teeth and bone formation. Early vitamin A deficiency symptoms are excessive skin dryness lack of mucous membrane secretion and dryness of the eyes due to a malfunctioning of the tear glands. These symptoms cause susceptibility to bacterial invasion. Persistent deficiency impairs growth development vision and immune systems and in severe cases can lead to xerophthalmia a blinding eye disease which results in permanent blindness if adequate vitamin A levels are not restored. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of maternal and infant health problems in developing countries. Pregnant and lactating women are particularly susceptible to vitamin A deficiencies. Frequent closely spaced pregnancies compound the problem by depleting the vitamin A stored in the liver. (excerpt)