The purpose of this study was to determine whether young children receiving Vitamin A and Zinc supplements will have a lower incidence of symptomatic malaria than similar children receiving vitamin A supplements alone.
The aim of our study was to determine the impact of the combination of vitamin A and zinc supplements on malaria morbidity in young children. The primary objective was to determine the effect of vitamin A alone vs. vitamin A and zinc supplements on the incidence of clinical malaria. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of vitamin A alone vs. vitamin A and zinc supplements on changes in anthropometric measurements specifically weight and length/height and to assess the effect of the study interventions on the incidence of anemia, diarrhea and pneumonia. It also assessed the tolerability of the supplements and determined the change in zinc status by measuring plasma zinc concentration using atomic absorption spectrometry before and at the end of the intervention. The study also determined the change in vitamin A status as assessed by the modified relative dose response (MRDR) test during and at the end of the intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
200
vitamin A with placebo
combination of vitamin A and zinc supplements
Kintampo Health Research Centre
Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana
incidence of clinical malaria attacks
Time frame: 6 months
changes in weight and height/length
Enrollment and end of supplementation
Time frame: baseline and 6 months
changes in vitamin A and zinc nutritional status within and between the groups
enrollment and end of supplementation
Time frame: baseline and 6 months
change in prevalence of anemia
enrollment and end of supplementation
Time frame: baseline and 6 months
the incidence of diarrhea and pneumonia
1 time/week, enrollment to end, total:24
Time frame: 1 time per week up to 6 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.