Dehydrated pumpkin flakes for preventing vitamin A deficiency in preschoolers attending a daycare

Objective This study assessed the effectiveness of dehydrated pumpkin flakes for elevating serum retinol and the relative dose response in preschoolers. Methods Vitamin A intake was determined by dietary survey. The flakes were analyzed microbiologically and for carotenoid content. The children were then given 6 grams of flakes per day during lunch for 90 days. The relative dose response essay was done at baseline and end of intervention. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline, 30 and 90 days to determine serum retinol levels by spectrophotometry. Results Microbiological analyses showed that the flakes were suitable for consumption. The mean serum retinol level of the children increased from M=1.438 (SD=0.45 mu mol/L) at baseline to M=1.659 (SD=0.51 mu mol/L) at 30 days and M=1.928 (SD=0.70 mu mol/L) at 90 days. At the beginning of the study, 18.5% of the children had serum retinol levels below 1.05 mu mol/L. This percentage dropped to 7.6% after 30 days and 0% after 90 days. At the end of the study period (90 days), no child had a positive relative dose response. Conclusion Pumpkin flakes efficiently increase serum retinol levels and hepatic vitamin A reserves in preschoolers.