Citation
Solon, Florentino S.; Fernandez, Thomas L.; Latham, Michael C.; & Popkin, Barry M. (1979). Control of Vitamin A Deficiency in the Philippines: Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Fortification Program. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 74(2), 112-118.Abstract
In a three-year pilot project in the Philippines, the magnitude of vitamin A deficiency and its clinical manifestation (xerophthalmia) was determined, and three alternate programs for eliminating and preventing it in various ecologic zones were designed and implemented concurrently in separate areas in each ecologic zone. Results were evaluated, and costs and benefits of each program were determined. The results of the fortification program are reported. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) was selected as the ideal carrier was fortified at a level which provided 15,000 I.U. retinol palmitate to the average family each day. Significant increases in serum A, especially for children with more deficient vitamin A status, resulted. The program's economic benefits significantly outweighed the costs, and the MSG fortification program has been expanded to several additional pilot provinces in the Philippines.Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
1979Journal Title
Journal of the American Dietetic AssociationAuthor(s)
Solon, Florentino S.Fernandez, Thomas L.
Latham, Michael C.
Popkin, Barry M.