Vitamin A, beta-carotene, and mother-to-child transmission of HIV

Nutr Rev. 2003 Aug;61(8):280-4. doi: 10.1301/nr.2003.aug.280-284.

Abstract

The role of maternal vitamin A supplements in decreasing the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission has been examined in sub-Saharan Africa. Overall, there is no reduction in either mortality or HIV transmission in two recent studies. Contrary to expectations, one study reported an increased risk of transmission using vitamin A plus beta-carotene supplements.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Africa South of the Sahara / epidemiology
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Mortality
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • Nutritional Status
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / virology
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Vitamin A / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamin A / adverse effects
  • beta Carotene / administration & dosage*
  • beta Carotene / adverse effects

Substances

  • beta Carotene
  • Vitamin A