Effects of Vitamin A Supplementation on Intestinal Parasitic Reinfections
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2008-08-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Intestinal parasitic infections, malnutrition and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) are still
considered as public health problems in rural Malaysia especially among Orang Asli children.
Despite intermittent control programmes, the prevalence of these problems is still high
suggesting the need of other control and interventions measures. This randomized
double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out among Orang Asli schoolchildren from
Sekolah Kebangsaan Betau in Pos Betau, Pahang (200 km northeast Kuala Lumpur) to investigate
the effects of vitamin A supplementation on intestinal parasitic reinfections, growth, iron
status and educational achievement.
HYPOTHESES
1. Vitamin A supplementation has a negative effect on intestinal parasitic reinfections and
the worm burden of infections among Orang Asli schoolchildren in Pos Betau, Kuala Lipis,
Pahang.
2. Vitamin A supplementation has a positive effect on growth (weight and height) among
Orang Asli schoolchildren.
3. Vitamin A supplementation is effective in improving serum iron status among Orang Asli
schoolchildren.
4. Vitamin A supplementation has a positive effect on cognitive function and educational
achievement among Orang Asli schoolchildren.