Effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune responses in Indonesian pre-schoolers

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#child-preschool #dietary-supplements #double-blind-method #female #humans

Effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune responses in Indonesian pre-schoolers

Kartasurya et al., 2020 | Asia Pac J Clin Nutr | Rct

Citation

Kartasurya Martha Irene, Marks Geoffrey C, ... Rahfiludin Mohammad Zen. Effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune responses in Indonesian pre-schoolers. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020;29(4):732-742. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202012_29(4).0008

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vitamin A and zinc are interrelated, but the effects of zinc on vitamin A supplementation on morbidity are inconsistent and not well understood. We investigated the effects of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune responses in Indonesian pre-schoolers. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: In a twostage study design, 826 children (2-5year old) were randomly assigned to receive daily zinc supplement (10 mg) or placebo for 4 months. At 2 months, both groups received a 200,000 IU vitamin A capsules through national vitamin A program. Data were collected at baseline, two and four months, resulting in 4 groups for comparisons: - no zinc no vitamin A (Placebo), zinc only, vitamin A only, and zinc plus vitamin A. Hair, blood and saliva samples were collected to measure hair zinc and serum retinol (vitamin A) concentration, ex-vivo IFN-γ, serum IgG and salivary IgA from 81 children selected randomly from each group. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no differences between treatment groups. Zinc supplementation increased ex-vivo IFN-γ production, greatest amongst boys, younger (<3.5 years), normal weight and children with low baseline retinol concentration. Vitamin A supplementation increased IFN-γ only in those with low baseline retinol, with no effect on serum IgG and salivary IgA. After vitamin A supplementation, zinc had an effect on salivary IgA among younger and underweight children. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc supplementation increased IFN-γ (cellular immune responses) and modified the effect of vitamin A supplementation on salivary IgA (mucosal innate immune response) in younger and underweight children.

Key Findings

At baseline, there were no differences between treatment groups. Zinc supplementation increased ex-vivo IFN-γ production, greatest amongst boys, younger (<3.5 years), normal weight and children with low baseline retinol concentration. Vitamin A supplementation increased IFN-γ only in those with low baseline retinol, with no effect on serum IgG and salivary IgA. After vitamin A supplementation, zinc had an effect on salivary IgA among younger and underweight children.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range 2-5year
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunity
  • Indonesia
  • Male
  • Vitamin A
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: zinc-immune

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09