Integration of vitamin A supplementation with the expanded program on immunization does not affect seroconversion to oral poliovirus vaccine in infants

J Nutr. 1999 Dec;129(12):2203-5. doi: 10.1093/jn/129.12.2203.

Abstract

Childhood immunization programs may provide infrastructure for delivering vitamin A supplements to infants in developing countries. The effect of giving vitamin A, an immune enhancer, on antibody responses to trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (TOPV) is unknown. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to determine the effect of giving vitamin A simultaneously with TOPV on antibody responses to poliovirus. Infants (n = 467) received oral vitamin A, 15 mg retinol equivalent (RE), 7.5 mg RE or placebo with TOPV at 6, 10 and 14 wk of age. Antibody responses to poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3 were measured by a microvirus neutralization assay at enrollment and at 9 mo of age. Seroconversion rates to poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3 ranged from 98 to 100% in the three treatment groups, and there were no differences in mean antibody titers to poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3 among treatment groups. This study demonstrates that oral vitamin A does not affect antibody responses to poliovirus vaccine when integrated with the Expanded Program on Immunization.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunization*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral / immunology*
  • Vitamin A / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamin A / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral
  • Vitamin A