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Recurrent respiratory tract infections in children might be associated with vitamin A status: a case-control study

Xuguang Zhang1, Xuezheng Dai2, Xianan Li2

  • 1Department of Child Healthcare, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|January 22, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Low vitamin A levels in children are linked to recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs). Ensuring adequate vitamin A intake and status is crucial for preventing RRTIs in pediatric populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) are a significant health concern in children.
  • Emerging research suggests a potential link between vitamin A deficiency and the development of RRTIs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between vitamin A status and RRTIs in children.
  • To examine the relationship between dietary vitamin A intake and the incidence of RRTIs.

Main Methods:

  • A survey involving 2,592 children aged 0.5-14 years in Heilongjiang province, China.
  • Categorization into an RRTI group (1,039 children) and a control group (1,553 healthy children).
  • Serum vitamin A levels measured by HPLC; dietary intake assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).

Main Results:

  • Children with RRTIs had significantly lower serum vitamin A concentrations compared to controls (0.27 ± 0.09 mg/L vs. 0.29 ± 0.09 mg/L, P < 0.01).
  • Vitamin A insufficiency and deficiency were associated with increased odds of RRTIs (ORs 1.32 and 1.95, respectively).
  • Low intake of vitamin A-rich foods, such as animal liver, was linked to lower RRTI incidence.

Conclusions:

  • Low serum vitamin A concentration is associated with a higher incidence of RRTIs in children in northeast China.
  • Both low vitamin A levels and current respiratory tract infection symptoms correlate with RRTI development.
  • Inadequate intake of vitamin A-rich foods is a contributing factor to RRTIs.
Abstract

Keywords:
childrendietary intakerecurrent respiratory tract infectionsvitamin A deficiencyvitamin A insufficiency

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