Effect of beta-carotene supplementation on health and growth of vitamin A deficient children in China rural villages: A randomized controlled trial

• Published in: e-SPEN, the European e-journal of clinical nutrition and metabolism the European e-journal of clinical nutrition and metabolism, 2009-02, Vol.4 (1), p.e17-e21
• Main Authors: Lin, Jie, Lai, Xiaoquan, Qin, Jun, Song, Fangfang, Zhang, Yi, Yao, Ping, Yang, Xuefeng, Liu, Liegang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Beta-carotene; Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Internal Medicine; Vitamin A deficiency; Vitamin A supplementation
• ISSN: 1751-4991; 1751-4991
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eclnm.2008.09.001

Summary Aims To examine whether beta-carotene supplementation had a similar effect on vitamin A deficient children as retinol supplementation. Methods The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. It was divided into two parts including surveying and intervening stages. 225 children in two villages in rural China were surveyed and 132 vitamin A deficient children included were randomly divided into retinol intervening group, beta-carotene intervening group and placebo group. Detailed dietary assessment and physical examination were evaluated. The baseline and follow-up serum vitamin A level of the children in the three intervention groups were compared. Results The total proportion of severe and marginal vitamin A deficient children was 23.1% and 44.4%, respectively. After intervention, children with retinol and beta-carotene supplementation significantly increased serum vitamin A level ( p < 0.001). The morbidity days of children with retinol and beta-carotene supplementation were significantly less than of children given placebo ( p < 0.05). The mean increased value of weight of vitamin A and beta-carotene intervening groups was both significantly higher than placebo group ( p < 0.05). No significant difference in increased value of height was observed between the three intervening groups. Conclusions We found that beta-carotene supplementation had a similar effect on correcting childhood vitamin A deficiency as retinol supplementation. Considering the health risk of vitamin A supplementation and the easier acquisition and antioxidant value of dietary beta-carotene, we recommended dietary beta-carotene supplementation for intervening high prevalent of children vitamin A deficiency in China rural areas.