RESUMO
PIP: Serum B-carotene levels were measured in 52 children under 5 in Santo Domingo and their consumption of carotene-rich foods in the 2 months preceding the survey was assessed. 29 girls and 23 boys were selected at random from an outpatient clinic of a children's hospital in Santo Domingo serving low-income residents. Clinical criteria of the World Health Organization for vitamin A deficiency were utilized. 23 of the children were under 1 year and 29 were 1-4 years old. Consumption of B-carotene in the day preceding the survey was inadequate in 50% of cases, according to dietary information supplied by parents. 33 of the 52 children were considered adequately nourished. 15 were slightly malnourished, 2 were moderately malnourished, and 2 were seriously malnourished. 40 of the children had low levels of B-carotene, defined as under 50 mcg/ml. 19 of the 40 were under 1 year old and 19 were boys. 80% of those with inadequate carotene consumption and 73% with adequate consumption had low serum carotene levels. 100% of malnourished children with inadequate carotene consumption had low levels of carotene, vs. 66.7% of adequately nourished children with inadequate carotene intake. Only 1 of the children, a slightly malnourished girl under 1 year old, showed clinical evidence of vitamin A deficiency. Causal factors in the low level of consumption of carotene-rich foods included early weaning, unavailability of carotene rich foods or their high cost, aversion of the children to them, or cultural beliefs limiting their consumption by small children. 11 cases were considered at risk because they presented low B-carotenes levels, malnutrition, and low consumption of foods rich in carotenes on the day preceding the survey and in the preceding 2 months.^ieng