Effect of weekly vitamin D supplements on mortality, morbidity, and growth of low birthweight term infants in India up to age 6 months: randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To investigate whether vitamin D supplementation can decrease the mortality and morbidity of low birthweight infants in low income countries.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Large government hospital in New Delhi, India.

Participants

2079 low birthweight infants born at term (>37 weeks' gestation).

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was admission to hospital or death during the first six months of life. Main secondary outcome was growth.

Interventions

Weekly vitamin D supplements for six months at a dose of one recommended nutrient intake per day (35 µg/week). Infants were visited weekly at home for observed supplementation and were brought to the clinic monthly for clinical examination and anthropometric measurements.

SUBMITTER: Kumar GT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3104477 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature