Interaction between iron and vitamin A has been the focus of scientific research for the reason that some of the issues still remain unknown. A literature review through Medline of the National Library of Medicine, United States of America, database selected scientific publications addressing interaction of iron and vitamin A in humans beginning in the 80's and proceeding to the year of 2003. The key words used in the literature review were "iron", "vitamin A" and "anemia" and corresponding terminology in Portuguese. Results indicates a correlation between vitamin A and iron nutritional indicators in children, adolescents, and pregnant women establishing also that vitamin A fortification and supplementation has a favorable effect on the iron metabolism of these populations. Further studies are required to establish dosages and time of vitamin A supplementation necessary to significantly benefit the iron nutritional status. Mechanisms explaining the association of vitamin A and iron are still ignored, however it is the understanding of some authors that this interaction results from the fact that vitamin A benefits erythropoiesis, prevents infections and improves iron absorption.
Iron; Vitamin A; Anemia