Vitamin A

The power to save lives.
Vitamin A supplements work to strengthen immune systems and fight off life-threatening illnesses for children who don’t have access to foods with vitamin A. Two doses a year of this powerhouse nutrient combat the devastating effects of vitamin A deficiency.

Do you know the importance of vitamin A?

Our bodies use vitamin A for many purposes. If this essential nutrient is lacking while children are still developing, they can get sick, go blind and even die. While the symptoms are not always visible, vitamin A deficiency puts the health and survival of children at risk every day.

Extreme Cases
Risk Factors

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Death

A child is at greater risk of illness and resulting death when also lacking clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.

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Illness

A weakened immune system makes a child more susceptible to infectious diseases, like diarrhea, measles, and malaria.

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Death

A child is at greater risk of illness and resulting death when also lacking clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.

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Skin

Dry, flaky skin occurs when vitamin A isn't available for children to maintain healthy skin.

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Hair

Thin, brittle or lightening hair is common for children without the vitamin A necessary for healthy hair.

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Illness

A weakened immune system makes a child more susceptible to infectious diseases, like diarrhea, measles, and malaria.

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Vision

Children may have compromised vision or complete blindness because vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes.

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Growth

Children are often short for their age (permanently stunted) as vitamin A is critical for proper growth.

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150 million children don’t get the vitamin A they need

Some nutrients, like vitamin A, are not produced by the body naturally. Children in developing countries are the most at-risk of vitamin A deficiency when sources of vitamin A are unavailable.

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Children who don't live in countries with fortified food or who can’t afford to buy foods with vitamin A are often deficient.

Vitamin A-rich foods like leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, fish and liver, can’t be grown and are too expensive for many families globally.

Often families might have to sell their own nutritious crops to make a living.

Protecting babies from vitamin A deficiency starts with nourished moms who pass nutrients on through their breast milk.

Did You Know?

High dose vitamin A capsules are unique; instead of chewing or swallowing them, the tip of the capsule is cut off and the contents are dripped into the child’s mouth. The vitamin A is stored in the liver and slow-released over time, which means children only need one dose every six months.

Did You Know?

In developed countries, the risks of vitamin A deficiency are often unknown because staple foods like milk and cereals have been fortified for decades.

Did You Know?

Vitamin A supplementation is recommended by the World Health Organization for all children 6-59 months of age living in areas with moderate to severe vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin A to save the day

The communities we help face complex challenges related to infrastructure, environment, or cultural taboos that require equally complex solutions. The vitamin A we provide to children is an immediate and proven solution to a life-threatening condition. Healthy children are better prepared to tackle life’s challenges.