Effect of beta-carotene supplementation on health and growth of vitamin A deficient children in China rural villages: A randomized controlled trial

SummaryAimsTo examine whether beta-carotene supplementation had a similar effect on vitamin A deficient children as retinol supplementation.MethodsThe study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. It was divided into two parts including surveying and intervening stages. 225 children in two villages in rural China were surveyed and 132 vitamin A deficient children included were randomly divided into retinol intervening group, beta-carotene intervening group and placebo group. Detailed dietary assessment and physical examination were evaluated. The baseline and follow-up serum vitamin A level of the children in the three intervention groups were compared.ResultsThe total proportion of severe and marginal vitamin A deficient children was 23.1% and 44.4%, respectively. After intervention, children with retinol and beta-carotene supplementation significantly increased serum vitamin A level (p < 0.001). The morbidity days of children with retinol and beta-carotene supplementation were significantly less than of children given placebo (p < 0.05). The mean increased value of weight of vitamin A and beta-carotene intervening groups was both significantly higher than placebo group (p < 0.05). No significant difference in increased value of height was observed between the three intervening groups.ConclusionsWe found that beta-carotene supplementation had a similar effect on correcting childhood vitamin A deficiency as retinol supplementation. Considering the health risk of vitamin A supplementation and the easier acquisition and antioxidant value of dietary beta-carotene, we recommended dietary beta-carotene supplementation for intervening high prevalent of children vitamin A deficiency in China rural areas.