September 2011Vitamin A Supplementation for Reduced Childhood Mortality
A new study suggests that vitamin A supplementation may reduce the risk for childhood mortality.
Vitamin A is necessary for healthy growth and development. A main cause of vitamin A deficiency in children is maternal vitamin A deficiency and the resulting low vitamin A levels in breast milk. Experts have stressed that in developing countries diet alone is insufficient to maintain adequate vitamin A levels in children. Previous research has also associated vitamin A supplementation with a reduced risk of childhood mortality.
In a new study, researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search to evaluate potential associations between vitamin A supplementation and mortality and illness in children six months to five years-old. Forty-three well-designed clinical trials evaluating 215,633 children were identified for inclusion.
The researchers found that vitamin A supplementation was associated with a 24 percent reduction in all-cause mortality for 17 of the studies. Seven separate studies reported a 28 percent reduction in mortality linked to diarrhea. Furthermore, supplementation was associated with a reduced risk of diarrhea, measles and vision problems.
The authors noted that an increase in vomiting was reported within the first two days of supplementation.
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References Mayo-Wilson E, Imdad A, Herzer K, et al. Vitamin A supplements for preventing mortality, illness, and blindness in children aged under 5: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2011 Aug 25;343:d5094. doi: 10.1136/bmj.d5094. View Abstract Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com
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