What percentage of children under the age of 5 are estimated to have vitamin A deficiency worldwide?

The estimation that approximately 33% of children under the age of 5 globally experience vitamin A deficiency is based on extensive research and reports from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries where dietary intake of vitamin A-rich foods is limited.

Vitamin A is crucial for various body functions, including vision, immune function, and cellular communication. Deficiencies can lead to severe health problems, including an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, and it can also cause vision impairments, particularly night blindness.

The 33% figure is significant as it highlights the scale of this health concern, indicating the need for nutritional interventions and policies to improve dietary sources of vitamin A or supplementation programs to combat the deficiency among susceptible populations, primarily young children. Addressing this issue can substantially improve child health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of awareness and action against vitamin A deficiency globally.