Adequate vitamin A liver stores estimated by the Modified-Relative Dose Response test are positively associated with breastfeeding but not vitamin A supplementation in Senegalese urban children 9-23 months old: a comparative cross-sectional study

Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) in 6-59 month old children is recommended but its sustainability is currently questioned. In Senegal, data suggest that VAS should be maintained, but geographic and age-related specificities need to be addressed by gathering more evidence on the impact of this program. The objective of this comparative cross-sectional study, conducted in urban settings of Dakar, was to evaluate the effectiveness of VAS on vitamin A liver stores (VALS) among 9-23 month old children. The supplemented group (n = 119) received VAS (either 100 000 UI or 200 000 UI) 2 to 6 months before evaluation while the non-supplemented group (n = 110) had not received VAS during the past 6 months. VALS were assessed using the modified-relative dose response (MRDR) test. Serum retinol concentrations (SR) and biomarkers of subclinical inflammation were measured. Children’s health-related data and feeding patterns were collected. Mean MRDR values (VAS: 0.030 ± 0.017, non-VAS: 0.028 ± 0.016, P...