Vitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in children from six months to five years of age
Imdad A, Mayo-Wilson E, Herzer K, Bhutta ZA
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Methodology
Cochrane meta-analysis of 47 randomised trials including over 1.2 million children in low- and middle-income settings.
Key Findings
Vitamin A supplementation reduced all-cause mortality by about 12% and lowered incidence of diarrhoea and measles; effects on respiratory infection were absent.
Conclusions
Vitamin A supplementation reduces child mortality and specific morbidity in deficient populations.
Limitations
Heterogeneity across settings; findings do not generalise to vitamin A replete populations.
Supplements Studied
Vitamin A supplementation reduced all-cause mortality in children by about 12% and lowered diarrhoea and measles incidence.
Outcomes Measured
Vitamin A reduced incidence of measles and diarrhoea, indicating improved host defence in deficient children.
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.