Daily dose of vitamin A in a 6–12 months old child is –
The correct answer is probably 400-500 mcg of retinol activity equivalents (RAE), which is the standard for infants in that age group. Let me verify that. The WHO and other health organizations do have specific recommendations. For infants 7-12 months, the RDA is around 400-500 mcg RAE.
Now, looking at the incorrect options. If the options include higher doses like 1000 mcg, that's for older children or adults. Lower doses might be for younger infants under 6 months. Also, some might confuse the RDA for different age groups or use international units (IU) instead of mcg, which could be another distractor.
Clinical pearls: Remember that vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and growth. Deficiency can lead to xerophthalmia. Also, excessive intake can be toxic, so it's important to stick to recommended doses. The RDA increases with age, so 6-12 months is a key age range where the requirement is higher than in younger infants but lower than in toddlers.
Putting it all together, the correct answer should be the one that states 400-500 mcg RAE. The other options would be incorrect based on age groups or units. Need to make sure the explanation is clear and concise, covering all the points without exceeding the character limit.
**Core Concept**
The question tests knowledge of pediatric nutritional requirements, specifically vitamin A (retinol) dosage for infants aged 6–12 months. Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and epithelial integrity, with age-specific RDAs to prevent deficiency (e.g., xerophthalmia) or toxicity.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The **daily recommended dietary allowance (RDA)** for vitamin A in infants aged 6–12 months is **400–500 µg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)**. This dose supports metabolic needs while avoiding hypervitaminosis A, which can cause hepatotoxicity. The RDA increases with age due to higher caloric and developmental demands.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** A lower dose (e.g., 150 µg RAE) is appropriate for infants 1–3 years) or adults; excess in infants may cause toxicity.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember: **"6-12 months = 400–500 µg RAE"**. Avoid using international units (IU) for precise dosing—1 µg RAE