Serum Vitamin A Nutritional Status of Children and Adolescents Aged 6-17 Years - China, 2016-2017

What is already known on this topic? Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in children is still a global public health problem, which needs continuous monitoring and timely intervention. What is added by this report? Using surveillance data from China Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Lactating Mothers in 2016-2017, the prevalence of VAD and marginal deficiency was 0.96% and 14.71%, respectively. The vitamin A nutritional status of children and adolescents from urban areas and those aged 12-17 years were better than those from rural areas and aged 6-11 years. What are the implications for public health practice? Marginal VAD was a major form of VAD in Chinese children. The monitoring of vitamin A status in key populations should be continuously strengthened, and the public should be encouraged to consume foods rich in vitamin A or vitamin A supplements.

Automated summary

This report utilized surveillance data from China to show the prevalence of Vitamin A deficiency and marginal deficiency in children, with implications for strengthening monitoring of key populations and promoting consumption of Vitamin A-rich foods or supplements. Urban children and adolescents aged 12-17 had better Vitamin A nutritional status compared to those in rural areas and aged 6-11.