Association of Vitamin A Status With Under-Five Mortality in India

Thomas et al., 2022 | Indian Pediatr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Thomas Tinku, Sachdev Harshpal S, ... Kurpad Anura V. Association of Vitamin A Status With Under-Five Mortality in India. Indian Pediatr. 2022-Mar-15;59(3):206-209

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To re-estimate the survival benefit from Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) in India using meta-analysis and to correlate mortality and vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in children aged 6 month to 5 year. METHODS: Pooled risk ratio (fixed effects model) for mortality reduction with VAS was calculated from available Indian studies. Computed mortality rates in 6 months to 5 years children in Indian states were regressed on VAD prevalence estimates of the states. RESULTS: There was no reduction in risk of all-cause mortality with VAS (RR=0.96; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.03). When regressing mortality on VAD in high or low VAD prevalence states, the regression coefficients were discordant. CONCLUSION: No survival benefit was observed for VAS in India from the available literature. The targeting of VAS programs should be given serious consideration.

Key Findings

There was no reduction in risk of all-cause mortality with VAS (RR=0.96; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.03). When regressing mortality on VAD in high or low VAD prevalence states, the regression coefficients were discordant.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	deficiency

MeSH Terms

Child
Dietary Supplements
Humans
India
Infant
Odds Ratio
Prevalence
Vitamin A
Vitamin A Deficiency

Evidence Classification

Level: Meta Analysis
Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
Vertical: vitamin-a-immune

Provenance

PMID: 34553692
DOI: (not available)
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

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