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Vitamin A supplements for preventing mortality, illness, and blindness in children aged under 5: systematic review

Evan Mayo-Wilson1, Aamer Imdad, Kurt Herzer

  • 1Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, UK.

BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|August 27, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin A supplementation significantly reduces mortality and illness in children aged 6 months to 5 years. This meta-analysis confirms its benefits for reducing diarrhea, measles, and vision problems, with minimal side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Nutrition Science
  • Pediatric Medicine

Background:

  • Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
  • It is associated with increased risk of mortality and morbidity in young children.
  • Effective supplementation strategies are crucial for improving child survival and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze the evidence on vitamin A supplementation's impact on mortality and morbidity in children aged 6 months to 5 years.
  • To assess the effects of vitamin A on specific illnesses, vision problems, and potential side effects.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on oral synthetic vitamin A supplementation in children aged 6 months to 5 years.
  • Data extraction and analysis were performed by two independent reviewers.

Main Results:

  • 43 trials involving over 215,000 children were analyzed.
  • Vitamin A supplementation was associated with a 24% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 28% reduction in diarrhea-related mortality.
  • Significant reductions were observed in the incidence of diarrhea and measles, and the prevalence of vision problems like night blindness and xerophthalmia.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin A supplementation demonstrates substantial benefits in reducing mortality, morbidity, and vision impairments in children.
  • Further placebo-controlled trials are not recommended; focus should shift to optimal dosing and delivery methods.
  • Supplementation should be prioritized for at-risk children, especially in resource-limited settings, until alternative sources are widely available.
Abstract

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