Menu
26/08/2011
Vitamin A For Children Could Save 600,000 Lives
Children in low and middle income countries should be given vitamin A supplements to prevent death and illness, a study published on bmj.com today has concluded.
The researchers argue that the effectiveness of vitamin A supplementation is now so well-established that further trials would be unethical and they urge policymakers to provide supplements for all children at risk of deficiency.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that must be obtained through diet. Vitamin A deficiency in children increases vulnerability to infections like diarrhoea and measles and may also lead to blindness. Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates that 190 million children under the age of 5 may be vitamin A deficient. But, despite widespread efforts, vitamin A programmes do not reach all children who could benefit.
So, a team of researchers based in the UK and Pakistan analysed the results of 43 trials of vitamin A supplementation involving over 200,000 children aged 6 months to 5 years. Differences in study design and quality were taken into account to minimise bias.
They found vitamin A supplements reduced child mortality by 24% in low and middle income countries. It may also reduce mortality and disability by preventing measles, diarrhoea and vision problems, including night blindness.
The authors say that, if the risk of death for 190 million vitamin A deficient children were reduced by 24%, over 600,000 lives would be saved each year and 20 million disability-adjusted life years (a measure of quantity and quality of life) would be gained.
Based on these results, the authors strongly recommend supplementation for children under 5 in - areas at risk of vitamin A deficiency. They conclude: "The evidence for vitamin A is compelling and clear. Further talks comparing vitamin A with placebo would be unethical."
This view is supported in an accompanying editorial by two experts at Harvard School of Public Health, who say: "effort should now focus on finding ways to sustain this important child survival initiative and fine tune it to maximise the number of lives saved."
(KMcA/BMcC)
The researchers argue that the effectiveness of vitamin A supplementation is now so well-established that further trials would be unethical and they urge policymakers to provide supplements for all children at risk of deficiency.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that must be obtained through diet. Vitamin A deficiency in children increases vulnerability to infections like diarrhoea and measles and may also lead to blindness. Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates that 190 million children under the age of 5 may be vitamin A deficient. But, despite widespread efforts, vitamin A programmes do not reach all children who could benefit.
So, a team of researchers based in the UK and Pakistan analysed the results of 43 trials of vitamin A supplementation involving over 200,000 children aged 6 months to 5 years. Differences in study design and quality were taken into account to minimise bias.
They found vitamin A supplements reduced child mortality by 24% in low and middle income countries. It may also reduce mortality and disability by preventing measles, diarrhoea and vision problems, including night blindness.
The authors say that, if the risk of death for 190 million vitamin A deficient children were reduced by 24%, over 600,000 lives would be saved each year and 20 million disability-adjusted life years (a measure of quantity and quality of life) would be gained.
Based on these results, the authors strongly recommend supplementation for children under 5 in - areas at risk of vitamin A deficiency. They conclude: "The evidence for vitamin A is compelling and clear. Further talks comparing vitamin A with placebo would be unethical."
This view is supported in an accompanying editorial by two experts at Harvard School of Public Health, who say: "effort should now focus on finding ways to sustain this important child survival initiative and fine tune it to maximise the number of lives saved."
(KMcA/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 December 2012
RCPH Launches Campaign Tackling Vitamin D Deficiency
The RCPCH has today launched its position statement and campaign on tackling vitamin D deficiency.
RCPH Launches Campaign Tackling Vitamin D Deficiency
The RCPCH has today launched its position statement and campaign on tackling vitamin D deficiency.
20 January 2004
Taking vitamins E and C could reduce Alzheimer's risks: study
Taking antioxidant vitamin supplements, particularly vitamins E and C, could help protect the brain against damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published today.
Taking vitamins E and C could reduce Alzheimer's risks: study
Taking antioxidant vitamin supplements, particularly vitamins E and C, could help protect the brain against damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published today.
20 May 2011
Study Finds Link Between Calcium Supplements And Heart Problems
New research published on bmj.com adds to mounting evidence that calcium supplements increase the risk of cardiovascular events, particularly heart attacks, in older women. The findings suggest that their use in managing osteoporosis should be re-assessed.
Study Finds Link Between Calcium Supplements And Heart Problems
New research published on bmj.com adds to mounting evidence that calcium supplements increase the risk of cardiovascular events, particularly heart attacks, in older women. The findings suggest that their use in managing osteoporosis should be re-assessed.
05 November 2010
Vitamin E Risks Haemorrhagic Stroke
A new study published today by the British Medical Journal has warned about the widespread use of vitamin E due to a suspected increased risk of a certain type of stroke.
Vitamin E Risks Haemorrhagic Stroke
A new study published today by the British Medical Journal has warned about the widespread use of vitamin E due to a suspected increased risk of a certain type of stroke.
20 July 2005
Warning over multi-vitamin risk to unborn babies
An investigation by Trading Standards watchdogs and a birth defects charity has revealed that many expectant mothers may be harming their unborn children by taking certain food supplements, including multi-vitamins.
Warning over multi-vitamin risk to unborn babies
An investigation by Trading Standards watchdogs and a birth defects charity has revealed that many expectant mothers may be harming their unborn children by taking certain food supplements, including multi-vitamins.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
