Blood levels of vitamin A and carotene in middle-aged and elderly individuals, in eleven localities of S. Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract

Seeking to fill in a gap in knowledge of vitamin A deficiency regarding biochemical status, carotene and vitamin A blood levels in 158 subjects, male and female, 50 years of age and over, were analysed. The subjects resided in 11 localities in the State of S. Paulo, Brazil. They were divided into 4 age groups: 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64 and 65 and over. No significant differences were encountered between averages of vitamin A levels in the four age groups nor between sexes. However, concerning carotene, females presented significantly higher average levels than males in all age groups. According to the classification of the Interdepartmental Committee in Nutrition for National Defense (ICNND), the population studied did not present a Public Health problem regarding vitamin A status.