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Making the A grade

Foods like eggs, papayas, and mangoes can prevent vitamin A deficiency in young children. But despite many attempts, there is no evidence to suggest that promoting the consumption of such foods has been effective on a large scale. Often, the message does not change diets enough, or does not reach those most in need, or fails to lift vitamin A to adequate levels. Recent research even casts doubt on the long-established notion that all green leafy vegetables will yield enough vitamin A.

The distribution of 2-cent vitamin A capsules every four to six months to young children is proving effective.

A third method is food fortification. Guatemala has taken the lead in fortifying sugar with vitamin A. The sugar industries in many other nations of Latin America, the Middle East and Africa could do the same.

In the Philippines, Procter & Gamble has recently increased tenfold the vitamin A content of its low-cost margarine. Unilever is considering the same step in a number of African countries. The costs are small, the impact large. All companies producing oils and fats in vitamin A-deficient countries should now consider this option.