AID cooperative agreement no. DAN-5116-A-00-0067-00 with the International Eye Foundation for a program entitled `increasing the consumption of carotene - containing foods as a long term and sustainable strategy to reduce hypovitaminosis A in Guatemala"

Project objectives are to: (1) analyze the beta-carotene and other carotene content of indigenous and domestic plants available to rural families; (2) compare the ability of the beta carotene in green leafy indigenous plants and in conventional carrots to correct low retinol levels and increase circulating beta-carotene levels; (3) make the same comparisons between conventional carrots and the genetically improved Beta III "supercarrot"; (4) assess the acceptability of high-carotene containing plants, their levels of consumption, and any impact they have on the consumption of other foods. The project will be implemented in cooperation with the National Committee for the Blind and Deaf in Guatemala. A total of 1,500 persons will directly benefit from participation in the study.