VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY IN AN INFANT

This report presents another case of vitamin A deficiency in an infant treated for eczema with a formula of soybean milk without vitamin A supplement (Mull-Soy). The Vitamin A deficiency developed by the third month of life, probably because of low prenatal stores of Vitamin A. The mother was on a low-animal-fat diet without Vitamin A in her diet during pregnancy. It has been stated that the common use of multiple vitamins in infancy is unnecessary, that vitamin A is abundant in milk, and that only vitamin D should be added to the infant's diet. This does not apply to infants who are allergic to animal milks and have been placed on soybean milk substitutes without vitamin A. The purpose of this report is to reemphasize the necessity for vitamin A supplementation for infants on soybean milk formulas and for rigorous supervision in this respect. Report of a Case History