Statut et apports en vitamine A d'un échantillon de jeunes enfants Algériens

The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was assessed on 102 preschool children from a disadvantaged population of the city of Constantine. A questionnaire for parents was used to collect data on the child. Alimentary profiles were also raised. Vitamin A deficiency affects only 5.88% of children. For the entire sample, the diet is low in vegetables, fruits and meats. The vitamin A intakes are above the basic needs for 66.6% of children. Several characteristics differentiate deficient children from non-deficient. Foods rich in vitamin A are less consumed by deficient. The gap is significantly stronger for margarines. They are more affected by anemia. Their parents have a low level of education and are without profession. However, milk and eggs are the main sources of vitamin A for both groups. Improving the socio-economic level of poor families would avoid severe nutritional deficiencies in children in precarious areas in Algeria.