Recognizing vitamin A deficiency: special considerations in low-prevalence areas.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review without systematic search methodology or primary data
PubMed 35125379 · doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000001110
What was done
Narrative review synthesizing published literature on the pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors, evaluation, and management of pediatric vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and xerophthalmia in low-prevalence, well-resourced areas such as the United States.
What was found
The abstract provides no numerical data, statistics, or effect sizes. It qualitatively describes a growing trend of reported VAD in high-risk pediatric populations in developed countries, specifically children with autism spectrum disorder and gastrointestinal conditions, and highlights the need for systemic supplementation and multidisciplinary management.
Why it matters
Highlights the necessity of including vitamin A deficiency in the differential diagnosis for at-risk pediatric patients in well-resourced countries to avoid delayed treatment and associated morbidity.
Limits
Narrative review without systematic methodology or primary human data. No sample sizes, effect estimates, or specific empirical parameters are reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- partial Dry eyes are caused by a vitamin A deficiency.