Vitamin A in children's diet – principal sources and supplementation

Vitamin A is significant in the visual process as it is a component of the pigment found on the retina of the eye, responsible for the perception of visual stimuli. An adequate dosage of this vitamin, obtained through diet, prevents blindness, dry eyelids, and eye ailments. Retinol also regulates the process of cell formation within the body, supporting the growth and development of young individuals. A deficiency in this component may occur in children with low growth, as retinol interacts with the growth hormone. Furthermore, vitamin A prevents infections of the digestive tract by participating in the production of mucus that safeguards the mucous membranes of the digestive system and skin surface, preventing eczema and skin dryness. Vitamin A additionally plays an active role in regulating the immune system, enabling the body to effectively combat pathogens, bacteria, and viruses.

The requirement for vitamin A, depending on the age of the child, at the level of the recommended intake (RDA) is as follows: infants aged 0-5 months -> 400 µg, infants aged 6-12 months -> 500 µg, children aged 1 – 3 years -> 400 µg, children aged 4 – 6 years -> 450 µg, children aged 7 – 9 years -> 500 µg. Studies conducted on preschool children to evaluate their dietary patterns and the degree to which their needs for vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are met show that the requirement for vitamin A has been met in many cases and sometimes even twice exceeded [1]. Another study that evaluated the vitamin content and mineral composition in the daily diet of students in classes V and VI of selected Warsaw primary schools confirmed that the average intake of most vitamins, including vitamin A, exceeded the levels recommended by the standards [2].

Vitamin A is one of the fat-soluble vitamins, meaning that it requires fatty acids for proper absorption. A lack of fat in the diet may lead to a deficiency in vitamins A, D, E and K, as they are not able to be absorbed correctly. In which foods can we supply the infant with Vitamin A?

Children not diagnosed with vitamin A deficiencies should not take supplements containing retinol. Both excessive and insufficient amounts of nutrients in the diet can pose a threat to the body. Excess vitamin A may accumulate in tissues, particularly in the liver, leading to disturbances in its functioning. In case of detecting deep vitamin A deficiencies in laboratory tests, occurrence of growth, vision, or skin problems, the treating healthcare professional should recommend appropriate pharmacological therapy in the right dose or provide comprehensive nutritional counseling.