@article{01KAY52Q3TM5R170WAYDYVVXDJ,
  abstract     = {{Objective
We assessed the effectiveness of weekly iron and semestrial high-dose vitamin A supplementation on hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and iron and vitamin A status of schoolchildren in rural Ethiopia.

Method
Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, 504 schoolchildren aged 7–10 years were randomly assigned to one of the four arms: control placebo; high-dose vitamin A; iron; or iron and high-dose vitamin A. Semestrial 200,000 IU vitamin A and weekly 42 mg of iron supplement were provided for 11 months. At baseline and at endline, Hb and serum concentrations of ferritin (sF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and retinol-binding protein (RBP) were measured. Serum indicators were adjusted for inflammation indicators, while Hb was adjusted for village altitude. Total body iron was calculated from sTfR and sF concentrations using an established formula.

Result
At baseline, prevalence of anemia (Hb < 11.0 g/dL), iron deficiency (sTfR > 8.3 mg/L or sF < 15 μg/L), iron-deficiency anemia, and vitamin A deficiency (RBP < 0.7 μmol/L) were 27.8%, 21.7%, 6.3% and 12.2%, respectively. Both iron and vitamin A supplementation had no significant effect on Hb, sTfR, and RBP concentrations. Supplementing iron weekly significantly increased sF (6.86 μg/L, 95%CI: 1.67, 12.05) and total body iron (0.45 mg/Kg, 95%CI: 0.17, 0.74), while semestrial vitamin A supplementation had no significant effect on both sF and total body iron.

Conclusion
Intermittent iron and vitamin A supplementation had no significant detectable effects on Hb, sTfR, and RBP concentrations of schoolchildren. Weekly iron supplementation improved sF concentrations. These findings suggest that providing iron and vitamin A supplements to populations where the extent of the deficiencies is not a major public health problem may not be beneficial.}},
  author       = {{Gutema, Befikadu Tariku and Sorrie, Muluken Bekele and Belayneh, Sifray Batire and Tariku, Eshetu Zerihun and Boynito, Wanzahun Godana and Zewdie, Tadiwos Hailu and Yohanes, Tsegaye and De Henauw, Stefaan and Levecke, Bruno and Abbeddou, Souheila}},
  issn         = {{0954-3007}},
  journal      = {{EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION}},
  keywords     = {{SCHOOL-CHILDREN,PRESCHOOL-CHILDREN,FERRITIN CONCENTRATIONS,ANEMIA,DEFICIENCY,RETINOL,IMPACT,PREVALENCE,INCREASES,TEACHERS}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{2}},
  pages        = {{177--188}},
  title        = {{Effectiveness of intermittent iron and high-dose vitamin A supplementation on hemoglobin, iron and vitamin A status of schoolchildren in southern Ethiopia : a randomized placebo controlled trial}},
  url          = {{http://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-025-01678-y}},
  volume       = {{80}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}

Altmetric

View in Altmetric

Web of Science

Times cited: