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Vitamin A status in children who are prone to respiratory tract infections
Insights
Vitamin A supplementation reduced respiratory infections in children by 19%. This study highlights Vitamin A
Area of Science:
- Nutrition and Immunology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major cause of childhood morbidity.
- Vitamin A plays a crucial role in immune function.
- Previous research suggests a link between Vitamin A status and respiratory health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Vitamin A supplementation on the susceptibility to ARIs in preschool children.
- To determine if daily Vitamin A supplementation can reduce the frequency of respiratory symptoms.
- To explore the impact of supplementation on children with a history of respiratory illness or allergies.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 147 preschool-age children.
- Participants were randomized into two groups: one receiving Vitamin A supplementation (450 micrograms/day) and the other receiving a placebo.
- Respiratory symptoms were monitored daily over an 11-month period.
Main Results:
- Children receiving Vitamin A supplementation experienced 19% fewer episodes of respiratory symptoms compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05).
- Plasma retinol levels did not significantly change in the supplemented group.
- Children with a history of lower respiratory illness or allergies showed the most benefit from Vitamin A supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin A supplementation appears to reduce the frequency of acute respiratory infections in preschool children.
- The findings suggest a potential role for Vitamin A in preventing respiratory proneness, particularly in vulnerable children.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying Vitamin A's effect on respiratory health.
Abstract:
The effect of Vitamin A supplementation on susceptibility to acute respiratory infections was investigated in a randomized controlled trial. One hundred and forty-seven preschool-age children with a history of frequent respiratory illness were randomized into Vitamin A supplemented (450 micrograms/day) and placebo groups. Respiratory symptoms were recorded on a daily basis over a period of 11 months. The children who received the supplement experienced 19% fewer episodes of respiratory symptomatology (P less than 0.05) than their placebo counterparts, despite the fact that their plasma retinol levels did not change. Children with a prior history of lower respiratory illness or of allergy benefited most from supplementation. The plausibility of a role for Vitamin A in the aetiology of respiratory proneness is reviewed.