0081
A
RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL TO REDUCE ANEMIA IN MALARIA ZONES Kevin J Chan, Arman Ramandon, Jason Lee, and
Bert Nanninga Toronto, Canada Introduction: The impact of
vitamin C has been documented to reduce anemia. The effects of vitamin A
and zinc on anemia in iron-deficient 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. Iron supplementation was given using Fer-in-sol
solution. 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. 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 reduce anemia in malaria zones and impoverished areas, while zinc
supplementation has no effect.