Field Prophylactic Trial with a Single Annual Oral Massive Dose of Vitamin A

Abstract

With the objective of preventing vitamin A deficiency, about 2,000 preschool children were administered an annual, massive, single dose of 300,000 IU of vitamin A. The results of the follow-up study over a period of 2 years indicate a considerable reduction in the prevalence of signs of vitamin A deficiency. In order to attain better prophylaxis it is suggested that the frequency of administration of the massive dose be increased to once every 6 months instead of once every year.