Summary
This study evaluated the effect of vitamin A deficiency in mothers infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 474 HIV-infected mothers and their infants were followed from pregnancy through the infants’ 12th month of life. Of the 474 HIV-infected pregnant women, 63% were deficient in vitamin A. The mothers were divided into six groups according to their vitamin A levels. Infant mortality was then evaluated in each group. The results showed that vitamin A deficiency in HIV-mothers can contribute to increased infant mortality, thus highlighting the necessity of an appropriate vitamin intake during pregnancy. More details can be found in the study.
References
R D Semba, P G Miotti, J D Chiphangwi, G Liomba, L P Yang, A J Saah, G A Dallabetta, D R Hoover