Serum vitamin A distribution curve for children aged 2-6 y known to have adequate vitamin A status: a reference population

Serum vitamin A was determined before and 30-45 d after the administration of 60.6 mg (212 mumol) vitamin A to 544 Brazilian children residing in slum areas of Recife. The frequency-distribution curves were compared in a subgroup of children whose vitamin A status was assessed initially by the relative-dose-response (RDR) test. The curves of children with negative (adequate status) and positive (inadequate status) RDR tests were different. The difference disappeared after supplementation. The shape of the distribution curve after supplementation was close to normal with a mean, median, and 95% confidence interval of 1.78 +/- 0.49, 1.68, and 1.02-2.90 mumol/L, respectively. The postsupplementation curve derived from this underprivileged child population may serve as a reference for diagnostic, surveillance, and program-evaluation purposes.