Summary
This study determined whether vitamin A supplements reduce the number of deaths among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and uninfected children. 687 children with pneumonia were given vitamin A or a placebo. Their blood was then tested for HIV. Among HIV-infected children, vitamin A supplements reduced deaths – regardless of their cause – by 63%.Among uninfected children, vitamin A supplementation reduced deaths by 42%. The researchers indicated that vitamin A supplements are a low-cost measure to reduce deaths among HIV-infected children. More details can be found in the study.
References
W W Fawzi, R L Mbise, E Hertzmark, M R Fataki, M G Herrera, G Ndossi, D Spiegelman