A randomized, double-blind, controlled study was conducted to determine whe
ther the consumption of leafy vegetables by preschool children would enhanc
e their serum vitamin A concentration to acceptable levels. Preschool child
ren (n = 519; 2.5-6 y) in Saboba, northern Ghana, were randomly assigned to
five feeding groups, differing essentially in the amount of fat and beta-c
arotene, fed once per d, 7 d per wk, for 3 mo. Serum retinol levels, anthro
pometric measurements, hemoglobin, rapid turnover proteins (pre-albumin and
retinol-binding protein), worm infestation (stool examinations) and level
of acute and chronic infection (serum C-reactive protein and acid glycoprot
ein) were determined before and after study. Relative to the baseline serum
retinol values, consumption of dark green, leafy vegetables (Manihot sp. a
nd Ceiba sp.) with fat (10 g/100 g) significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced serum
retinol; consequently, the percentage of children with adequate retinol st
atus increased from 28.2-48.2% after feeding (P < 0.05). There were no sign
ificant differences among groups, ages or pre- versus post-anthropometric m
easurements, hemoglobin concentration, or levels of worm infestation. The i
mportance of these findings in alleviating and/or controlling vitamin A def
iciency in developing countries is discussed.