| Abstract: | 1995 clinical analysis of the four villages of the Otomí Indians in the State of Querétaro by Texas A&M University students and students of La Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro show that more than 40 percent of the children suffer from one or more clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency. Lack of dietary vitamin A is the most common micronutrient deficiency in Mexico. The primary cause of this deficiency is low dietary in take of vitamin A and reduced nutrient absorption due to measles, diarrhea, and parasitic infections. The most recognized sequelae of vitamin A deficiency is ocular deterioration, insufficient mucous production leading to reduced activity of the immune system, and stunted growth. Clinical assessment of vitamin A deficiency within the indigenous populations of Querétaro has been determined by dietary analysis, night blindness, skin examination and anthropometric measurements. The development of a vitamin A prophylaxis program for the indigenous populations in the State of Querétaro, Mexico, emphasizes the cultural factors influencing the ongoing micronutrient deficiencies in this region. The program aims to maintain long-term integration of vitamin A through dietary modification, nutritional education and short-term capsular supplementation. |
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