Impact of neonatal vitamin A supplementation on infant morbidity and mortality

Assessment of vitamin A supplementation coverage and its association with childhood illness in Boloso Sore Woreda, Welayta Zone, SNNP Region, Ethiopia

“…Similarly, a meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials by Itamar G et al (29), indicated that vitamin A supplementation has no consistent protective effect on the incidence of diarrhea and ARI. Similar findings have also been reported by other studies (21)(22)(23).…”

“…This includes the findings of Biswas R et al (20), Brown N and Roberts C (21), Abdelijaber M et al (22) and Humphrey J et al (23). Even few studies have reported supplementation of vitamin A increases incidence of childhood illness.…”

Vitamin A supplementation and neonatal mortality in the developing world: a meta-regression of cluster-randomized trials

“…27 For example, studies may differ with regard to the vitamin A content of supplementary foods, the rate of infant growth and the burden of infectious diseases, all of which may translate into different requirements or losses of vitamin A. 12,31 In addition, we made no distinction between trials employing a single large dose of vitamin A or vitamin A supplements in regular but smaller amounts -a potentially valuable insight given that a higher-dose regimen has been shown safe but not more efficacious than a lower-dose regimen provided to infants. 34,35 Differences in vaccination coverage among trials may further explain study heterogeneity.…”

“…In general, all infants are born with low stores of vitamin A and depend on external sources, including breast milk, to build body stores. 11,12 The milk of lactating women in developing countries typically has lower concentrations of vitamin A than that of women in developed countries, 12 which means that neonates may not obtain their daily requirements. 11 Direct supplementation of neonates and infants younger than 6 months has shown promising results in terms of survival, yet findings have been contradictory.…”

“…11 Direct supplementation of neonates and infants younger than 6 months has shown promising results in terms of survival, yet findings have been contradictory. Studies conducted in Bangladesh, 13 India 11 and Indonesia 12 have shown reductions in all-cause mortality (15%, 22% and 63%, respectively) in infants who received vitamin A supplementation relative to controls. Giving neonates vitamin A has also been found to significantly reduce diarrhoea case-fatality rates and the incidence of fever.…”