A 3-year-old child from a rural area presents with bitot spots, night blindness, and corneal xerosis (X1B). According to the National Vitamin A Supplementation Programme, which dose should this child have received MOST RECENTLY?

• A 100,000 IU at 9 months
• B 200,000 IU at 18 months
• C 100,000 IU every 6 months from 6 months of age
• D 200,000 IU at 9 months and then every 6 months until 5 years ✓

Explanation

India's National Vitamin A Supplementation Programme provides 100,000 IU at 9 months (first dose), then 200,000 IU every 6 months from 18 months until 5 years of age, delivered through supplementation rounds. The initial lower dose at 9 months accounts for the smaller hepatic storage capacity of younger infants. A total of 9 doses are given. Bitot spots with corneal xerosis indicate moderate-to-advanced deficiency (X1B–X2), requiring therapeutic dosing beyond prophylactic schedule.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.