The consumption of vitamin A in Ribeira, S. Paulo (Brazil)

Abstract

It was focused the problem of low adequacy of vitamin A, in an area considered as a great producer of foodstuff rich in this nutrient, the city of Ribeira, S. Paulo (Brazil), that is a large scale producer of Papaya (Carica papaya L). The analysis of the data, pointed out that this foodstuff that would amply cover the recommended necessities of Vitamin A, was consumed in insignificant quantities. This fact was attributed to a lack of knowledge of the local population on the nutritive value of foodstuff rich in vitamin A. Consequently it was recommended, the development of food education programs, in the mentioned town.