This publication describes model based compartmental analysis of stable isotope data to estimate vitamin A body stores in humans. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a public health problem in most developing countries; it is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness and is associated with increased susceptibility to infection and risk of mortality. Because of the detrimental effects of VAD on human health, accurate assessment of vitamin A status is necessary for the development and evaluation of sustainable programmes. The stable isotope dilution method, in contrast to other techniques, has the potential to provide accurate quantitative estimates of vitamin A body stores.
