Background: Deficiency of vitamin D has been associated with various health conditions. However, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and factors associated with VDD are not well studied, especially among the urban elderly population of India. Aim: To assess the prevalence of VDD and its associated factors among the urban free-living elderly population in Hyderabad. Subjects and methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 298 urban elderly (≥60 years) by adapting a random sampling procedure. Demographic particulars were collected. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were recorded using standard equipment. Fasting glucose, lipid profile and 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) D] were estimated in plasma samples. Results: The mean ± SE plasma vitamin D and the prevalence of VDD among the urban elderly population were 19.3 ± 0.54 (ng/ml) and 56.3%, respectively. The prevalence of VDD was significantly associated with education, high body mass index (BMI), hypertension (HT) and metabolic syndrome (MS). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed HT as a significant predictor of vitamin D deficiency and the risk of VDD was double among the elderly with hypertension. Conclusions: The prevalence of VDD was high among the urban elderly population in the south Indian city of Hyderabad. High BMI, MS, HT and education are significant associated factors of VDD.

Background: Although a national vitamin A prophylaxis programme has been in operation for more than three decades, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) continues to be a major nutritional problem of public health significance in India. Aim: The present study was carried out with the aim of assessing the prevalence of clinical and sub-clinical VAD among rural pre-school children. Subjects and methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in rural areas of Maharashtra State during 2002–2003. A total of 8646 pre-school children were examined for the presence of signs and symptoms of VAD. A sub-sample (494) of them was used to estimate blood vitamin A levels. Results: The prevalence of Bitot's spots (1.3%) and night blindness (1.1%) was higher than the WHO cut-off levels used to define a public health problem, and it increased significantly (p<0.001) with increase in age. The prevalence of Bitot's spots was 13 times higher among children belonging to the Scheduled Caste (OR=12.8), and 20 times higher among the children of labourers (OR=19.8). The prevalence of sub-clinical VAD (55%) was significantly (p<0.001) high among the children with night blindness (100%) and Bitot's spots (89%). Conclusions: Increased vitamin A supplementation, health and nutrition education and consumption of vitamin A rich foods are essential to prevent VAD.

Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) continues to be a major public health nutritional problem in India, even though the National Vitamin A Prophylaxis Programme has been in operation for more than three decades. Aim: To assess the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among rural pre-school children. Subjects and methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in rural Madhya Pradesh. A total of 8777 pre-school children were clinically examined for VAD and blood vitamin A levels were estimated in a sub-sample by dried blood spot method. Results: Prevalence of night blindness and Bitot's spot, an objective sign of VAD, was 0.8% and 1.4%, respectively, and prevalence increased significantly (p < 0.001) with age. The proportion of children with blood vitamin A deficiency ( < 20 μg/dL) was 88% (95% CI: 84.8-91.2).The prevalence of Bitot's spot was significantly (p < 0.001) higher among children of lower socio-economic communities, 3–5-year age group and those of illiterate mothers. Conclusions: VAD is a major public health problem among rural children of Madhya Pradesh. Children of 3–5 years and those belonging to lower socio-economic communities are at high risk of VAD. Therefore, appropriate intervention measures are to be initiated to improve the vitamin A status of children.

Background: Multiple micronutrient deficiencies continue to be a major nutritional problem of public health significance in India. Aim: To assess the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among rural children of West Bengal, India. Subjects and methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 9228 and 437 pre-school children, respectively, for assessment of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and anaemia. Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) were assessed in 3490 children of 6–12 years. Results: The prevalence of Bitot's spots, an objective sign of clinical VAD, was 0.6% and was significantly (p < 0.01) higher among children of 3–5 years. Prevalence of blood vitamin A deficiency ( < 20 μg/dL) was 61% and ∼81% of children were anaemic. About 25% children had both sub-clinical VAD and anaemia. The children of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (OR = 2.3: 95% CI = 1.3–3.9) were at higher risk of anaemia, whereas children of Scheduled Tribe (OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 2.1–10.5) and 3–5 years (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.0–2.0) were at risk for VAD. The prevalence of goitre was 9%. Conclusions: Micronutrient deficiencies were found to be of public health significance among rural children of West Bengal. Therefore, there is a need to initiate sustainable long-term interventions for prevention and control of micronutrient deficiencies in children.