Tolerance of preschoolers to two dosage strengths of vitamin A preparation
Article Abstract:
Vitamin A deficiency, a major nutritional problem in the Philippines, is associated with the development of xerophthalmia, which is characterized by dryness of the mucous membranes lining the eyes. The development of eye lesions resulting from xerophthalmia may lead to blindness and other eye disorders. The prevalence of eye disorders related to xerophthalmia is high in the Philippines and exceeds the level set by the World Health Organization. Programs to prevent vitamin A deficiency consist of treatment with large doses of vitamin A, public health intervention, food fortification, food production, and nutritional education. Large doses of vitamin A may cause adverse side effects including loose stools, headache, nausea, and vomiting. The frequency and severity of side effects from two large-dosage strengths of vitamin A preparations were assessed in 2,471 Filipino children. One milliliter of a syrup containing 0, 30, or 60 milligrams (mg) of vitamin A was given to children without nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, and fever. The children were evaluated by a physician 24 hours and one week after receiving the vitamin A preparation. The dose of 60 mg vitamin A caused more vomiting, nausea, and headache than the 30 mg dose. Severe vomiting occurred in 1.2 percent of children treated with the 60 mg dose of vitamin A. Although most symptoms developed within 24 hours after receiving the medication, they lasted from 12 to 24 hours. Diarrhea and fever occurred to the same extent in children receiving vitamin A and those who were given a placebo. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9165
Year: 1990
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Zeroing in on tolerance
Article Abstract:
Issues related to identifying the genetic aspects of autoimmune diseases are examined, focusing on the benefits and limitations of the human genome project as it relates to providing information to researchers of autoimmune diseases. Topics include the definition of "tolerance," which is the autoimmune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self; identifiication of the gene for autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidaisis-ectodermal dystrophy; and the need to coordinate genetic research with other kinds of research such as epidemiological studies.
Publication Name: Nature Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1078-8956
Year: 2001
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Transplantation tolerance -- where do we stand?
Article Abstract:
Drugs that cause tolerance induction are a worthwhile goal but their development will require cooperation between researchers, regulatory agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry. Research on organ transplants indicates that inducing tolerance to the graft is the best way to prevent graft rejection.
Publication Name: Nature Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1078-8956
Year: 1999
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