Adverse Side Effects of Mega Dose of Vitamin A Administration- A need for Introspection

Kapil, Umesh; Sareen, Neha

doi:10.26596/wn.20178171-78

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 19 publications

(22 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Supra-physiological doses and toxicity : The imminent risk of micronutrient overdose due to supplementation and fortification has led to concerns regarding micronutrient toxicity 60 , 66 , . The last two decades have seen an explosion in scientific literature associating supra-physiological levels of various micronutrients with chronic disorders 68 - 71 . For instance, high folate levels have been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders in some cases and certain cancers 68 , 69 ; similarly, high levels of vitamin B12 have been associated with lung cancers 70 .…”

Section: Emerging Concernsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For instance, high folate levels have been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders in some cases and certain cancers 68 , 69 ; similarly, high levels of vitamin B12 have been associated with lung cancers 70 . Vitamin A overdose has been implicated in adverse bone health and an increase in respiratory tract infections 54 , 71 .…”

Section: Emerging Concernsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Dietary diversity as a sustainable approach towards micronutrient deficiencies in India

2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The silent epidemic of micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) continues to be a major public health challenge in the developing world, including India. The prevalence of iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A and folate deficiencies is alarmingly high worldwide. India is additionally facing a high prevalence of vitamin D and B12 deficiencies. To combat the hidden epidemic of MNDs, various governments around the world have mostly relied on supplementation or fortification-based interventions. India launched salt iodization programme in 1962 and vitamin A and iron-folate supplementation programmes in 1970. Yet, even after decades of these programmes, MNDs are still widespread in the country. Due to slow progress in alleviating the burden of most MNDs, the Government of India aims to scale up fortification-based intervention programmes. However, there are safety and effectiveness concerns with such approaches. Hence, overdependence on supplementation and fortification alone may be counterproductive. Instead, food based dietary diversification approach can be the way forward. In this article, we list the common MNDs in India, evaluate major policy interventions, discuss concerns pertaining to fortification and suggest the need for a concurrent food-based approach, in particular dietary diversification, as a long-term and sustainable strategy to address population-based MNDs.

show abstract

Section: Emerging Concernsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Emerging Concernsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dietary diversity as a sustainable approach towards micronutrient deficiencies in India

2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In India, the difference between the U5MR and IMR is only 9/1000 live births. [28] Though this is a slight under-estimate because HDVA may be given before 12 mo of age, it does suggest that very few deaths could be avoided even if HDVA were implemented with a high level of coverage and if it actually were efficacious. On this basis alone, the role of HDVA should be questioned.…”

mentioning

confidence: 98%

“…A number of studies in Zambia suggest hypervitaminosis A is occurring, and Guatemala scaled back its vitamin A fortification levels due to similar concerns. [33] Kapil and Sareen [28] have summarized some of the other concerns about the possible side effects of HDVA, including increased respiratory tract infections and harm to bone health. Lastly, as indicated above, HDVA may cause increased mortality in subgroups, e.g.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Does India Need a Universal High-Dose Vitamin A Supplementation Program?

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

High dose vitamin A (HDVA) concentrate began to be distributed in India in 1970 as a short-term, stopgap approach to reduce clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency. As this problem declined globally, the purpose of distributing them changed to the reduction of young child mortality. However, their impact on this has also declined, if not disappeared, as suggested in India by the enormous DEVTA study. This may be because of improved protection against and treatment of the main morbidity involved, measles and diarrhea. At the same time, semiannual provision of mega-doses of vitamin A is not without risks, in particular linked to children's vaccination status. While a single dose is inexpensive, large-scale implementation of HDVA programs is expensive, particularly the opportunity cost involved in reducing the time health workers involved have to deal with their other commitments. Balancing potential benefits, risks and costs leads us to recommend an immediate cessation of the distribution of HDVA in India.

show abstract

Adverse Side Effects of Mega Dose of Vitamin A Administration- A need for Introspection

Cited by 2 publications

References 19 publications

Dietary diversity as a sustainable approach towards micronutrient deficiencies in India

Dietary diversity as a sustainable approach towards micronutrient deficiencies in India

Does India Need a Universal High-Dose Vitamin A Supplementation Program?

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About