Abstract | BACKGROUND: Studies on the effect of vitamin A supplementation on growth have yielded various results. It is possible that such growth is dependent on the burden of infectious diseases in the population. METHODS: We analysed data from a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controled trial to examine the role of respiratory infections and diarrhoea in modifying the growth response to vitamin A supplementation. A single high dose of vitamin A or placebo was given every 4 months to 1405 children aged 6-48 months, and 4430 child treatment cycles were used in this analysis. RESULTS:
Vitamin A supplementation modestly improved linear but not ponderal growth of children who experienced little respiratory infection and especially of those who had vitamin A intake below the normative requirement (<400 RE/day). Children who received vitamin A and were free of respiratory infection grew 0.22 cm/4 months (95% CI: 0.08, 0.37) more in height than the placebo group, but those with > or =21.5% of days of respiratory infection did not show a significant growth response to vitamin A supplementation. Children who experienced no respiratory infection and had vitamin A intake <400 RE/day benefited most, gaining 0.31 cm/4 months (95% CI: 0.10, 0.52) more in height compared to the placebo group. Diarrhoea was associated with poorer growth, but did not significantly modify the effect of vitamin A supplementation on growth. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | H Hadi, R J Stoltzfus, L H Moulton, M J Dibley, K P West Jr |
Journal | International journal of epidemiology
(Int J Epidemiol)
Vol. 28
Issue 5
Pg. 874-81
(Oct 1999)
ISSN: 0300-5771 [Print] England |
PMID | 10597985
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Body Height
(drug effects)
- Body Weight
(drug effects)
- Child, Preschool
- Confidence Intervals
- Diarrhea
(complications, diagnosis)
- Dietary Supplements
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Growth Disorders
(complications, prevention & control)
- Humans
- Infant
- Male
- Reference Values
- Respiratory Tract Infections
(complications, diagnosis)
- Treatment Outcome
- Vitamin A
(administration & dosage)
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