The Effect of a Maternal Double Megadose of Vitamin A Supplement on Serum Levels of Retinol in Children Aged under Six Months

Objective . To measure concentrations of serum retinol in children after the use of maternal vitamin A double megadose supplements. Design . Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting . The study was conducted at two maternity hospitals in the city of Recife, in the northeast region of Brazil between August 2007 and June 2009. Subjects and Methods . 276 children/mothers were recruited after birth and the women received a 200,000 IU capsule of vitamin A. After ten days they were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. One group received a second 200.000 IU capsule, while the other received a placebo. The concentrations of retinol in the serum of the children from each group were measured at 2, 4, and 6 months. Results . 173 children completed the study. There was no difference between the two treatment groups ( P = 0.514). The mean base retinol level was lower than that at four and six months ( P < 0.001). Conclusions . The maternal double megadose supplement had no additional effect on the serum retinol levels of the children, although concentrations of retinol in the children rose in the first six months of life. This trial is registered with NCT00742937 .