VITAMIN A, VITAMIN C, AND ZINC IN THE TREATMENT OF ANEMIA IN MALARIA
ZONES
Chan KJ, Lee J, Ramandon A, Nanninga B
University of British Columbia, Vancouver
CANADA; University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA; University of Guyana,
GUYANA; Rumphi Hospital, MALAWI
Introduction: The impact of vitamin C has been
documented to reduce anemia.
The effects of vitamin A and zinc on anemia in malnourished
populations and malaria zones have not been clearly delineated.
Methods:
A randomized control trial for six weeks was conducted from August
1999-March 2000 on children from age one to five. There were 4 different regimens: 1) Vitamin C alone; 2) Vitamin A +
Vitamin C; 3) Zinc + Vitamin C; and 4) Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and zinc
tablets. All patients were
treated with a 3 day course of Mebendazole prior to the start of treatment
to eliminate hookworm infection. Placebo tablets were produced in
Vancouver. Institutional
approval was given by each participating site. Informed consent was obtained on all participants. All blood samples were taken in the
malaria seasons of each country.
Blood was taken at the start and end of treatment, and samples were
frozen for analysis in Vancouver.
Results: There were 694 participants. There were 34 participants lost to
follow-up for a total of 660 participants. Compared to the baseline (Vitamin C alone) (15%
improvement), the regimens with Vitamin A and Vitamin C, (22% improvement)
and Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and zinc (23% improvement), did better
(p<0.05) in improving mean Hemoglobin levels. There was no difference from baseline for zinc and
Vitamin C (13% improvement) (p=0.82).
Conclusions: Vitamin A and Vitamin C reduces
anemia in malaria zones and impoverished areas, while Zinc supplementation
has no effect.