The protective effect of red palm oil in comparison with massive vitamin A dose in combating vitamin A deficiency in Orissa, India.

Vitamin A deficiency has long been a serious hazard to the world community, especially to children. The main reason for a higher incidence among children is lack of vitamin A in the diet. Carotene rich supplements with sources like Red Palm oil (RPO) could be used as a measure to combat vitamin A deficiency. This study evaluates the protective effect of RPO in comparison with massive vitamin A dose to combat vitamin A deficiency. The study was carried out for a period of three months in 36 school children. Twelve children received a massive dose (50,000 IU) of vitamin A, another twelve children received 4g of RPO containing B-carotene equivalent to 25,000 IU of vitamin A in "Besan laddu" and the remaining twelve received 8g of RPO containing B-carotene equivalent to 50,000 IU of vitamin A in "Besan laddu". Serum vitamin A levels were estimated initially, after 15 days of supplementation and 3 months after termination of supplementation. The levels were maximum 15 days after the supplementation and, though it fell by the end of 3 months, yet it was significantly higher than that of the initial levels in all the three groups. Among both the levels of RPO supplement, 8g RPO was as efficient as was a massive vitamin A dose in providing protection for three months, after cessation of supplementation.