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Vitamin A intervention: short-term effects of a single, oral, massive dose on iron metabolism
M W Bloem1, M Wedel, E J van Agtmaal
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, TNO-CIVO Toxicology and Nutrition Institute, Zeist, The Netherlands.
Insights
High-dose vitamin A supplementation improved iron status in children with xerosis. This 2-week study in Thailand showed increased hemoglobin and serum iron, suggesting vitamin A impacts iron metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition and Public Health
- Human Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Vitamin A deficiency is a public health concern, particularly in developing regions.
- Conjunctival xerosis is an early clinical sign of vitamin A deficiency.
- The interplay between vitamin A and iron metabolism requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the short-term effects of a single, high oral dose of vitamin A on iron metabolism indicators in children with conjunctival xerosis.
- To assess the impact of vitamin A supplementation on various iron status markers.
Main Methods:
- A controlled study involving 134 children aged 3-9 years with conjunctival xerosis in Northeast Thailand.
- Randomized assignment to receive either vitamin A capsules or a placebo (control).
- Baseline data collection followed by a 2-week intervention period with subsequent measurements.
Main Results:
- The vitamin A-supplemented group showed significant increases in retinol, retinol-binding protein, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, and transferrin saturation after 2 weeks.
- No significant changes were observed in ferritin concentrations.
- Short-term improvements in iron status markers were evident, independent of seasonal variations or morbidity changes.
Conclusions:
- This study provides evidence for a causal association between vitamin A and improved iron metabolism.
- Periodic, high-dose vitamin A programs in endemic areas may serve as a dual-purpose intervention, addressing both vitamin A and iron deficiencies.
- Findings support the potential of vitamin A supplementation to enhance iron status in vulnerable populations.
Abstract:
A group of 134 school children aged 3-9 y, with signs of conjunctival xerosis, from the rural area of the Sakorn Nakhon province in Northeast Thailand were selected for a controlled study on the short-term effect (2 wk) of a single, oral high dose of vitamin A on iron metabolism. After collection of the baseline data, children within villages were randomly assigned to receive the capsules (n = 65) or serve as control subjects (n = 69). Two weeks after supplementation significant increases of retinol, retinol-binding protein, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, and saturation of transferrin were found in the supplemented group. Ferritin concentrations did not change significantly. These short-term changes completely exclude seasonal effects and change in morbidity. This study provides further evidence of a causal association between vitamin A and iron metabolism. In areas where vitamin A deficiency is endemic, periodic massive vitamin A dose programs can also improve iron status of the population.