Vitamin a supplementation during pregnancy in shaping child growth outcomes: A meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#pregnancy #infant-newborn #female #child #humans

Vitamin a supplementation during pregnancy in shaping child growth outcomes: A meta-analysis

Ma et al., 2023 | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Ma Guiling, Chen Yanting, ... Du Min. Vitamin a supplementation during pregnancy in shaping child growth outcomes: A meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023-Nov;63(33):12240-12255. doi:10.1080/10408398.2022.2099810

Abstract

Abnormal fetal growth increases risks of childhood health complications. Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is highly accessible, but literature inconsistency regarding effects of maternal VAS on fetal and childhood growth outcomes exists, deterring pregnant women from VAS during pregnancy. This meta-analysis aimed to analyze effects of vitamin A only or vitamin A + co-intervention during pregnancy in healthy mothers (MH) or with complications (MC, night blindness and HIV positive) on perinatal growth outcomes, also assess VAS dose impacts. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to July 15, 2021. We covered subgroup analyses, including VAS in MH or MC within randomized controlled trial (RCT) or observational studies (OS). Fifty-five studies were included in this meta-analysis (426,098 pregnancies). Vitamin A decreased risk of preterm birth by 9% in MH-RCT (P < 0.001), by 62% in MH-OS (P = 0.029), by 10% in MC-RCT (P = 0.089); decreased LBW by 24% in MC-RCT (P = 0.032); increased neonatal weight in MC-RCT (SMD 0.96; P = 0.051). Besides, vitamin A + co-intervention decreased risks of preterm by 18% in MH-OS (P = 0.021); LBW by 25% in MH-OS (P < 0.001); by 32% in MC-RCT (P = 0.006); decreased neonatal defects by 33% in MH-OS (P = 0.064); decreased anemia by 25% in MH-OS (P = 0.0003); increased neonatal weight in MH-OS (SMD 0.51; P = 0.014); and increased neonatal length in MH-OS (SMD 1.83; P = 0.013). Meta-regression of VAS dose with individual outcomes was not significant, and no side effects were observed for VAS doses up to 4000 mcg (RAE/d). Regardless of maternal health conditions, VAS during pregnancy can safely and effectively improve fetal development and neonatal health even in mothers without VAD.

Key Findings

Regardless of maternal health conditions, VAS during pregnancy can safely and effectively improve fetal development and neonatal health even in mothers without VAD.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population healthy mothers
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Pregnancy
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Female
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Vitamin A
  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Premature Birth
  • Pregnancy Outcome

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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