Medical Researches
Moderately Effective
Based on 8 Researches
Vitamin A's role in anemiaImpact of Vitamin A Deficiency on Iron Metabolism and Anemia: A Historical Perspective and Research Advances.
Highly relevant to vitamin A
We examined the connection between vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and anemia, particularly how a lack of vitamin A can impact iron metabolism in our bodies. Through reviewing existing research, we discovered that VAD doesn't just lead to general anemia but may cause a specific type known as vitamin A deficiency anemia (VADA).
Our findings reveal that vitamin A plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells. When we lack vitamin A, our bodies struggle to utilize iron effectively. Instead of being available for red blood cell production, iron accumulates in our liver and spleen, leading to reduced levels of circulating iron.
We also saw that inflammation and systemic infections could further exacerbate this issue by triggering the liver to produce more hepcidin, a protein that regulates iron levels. The excess hepcidin can create a situation where there isn’t enough iron for the production of hemoglobin, ultimately causing anemia.
Interestingly, our review highlighted that VADA happens not because of a lack of iron, but due to how iron is managed within the body. By understanding these mechanisms, we can work towards creating better strategies to tackle anemia on a global scale.
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Biscuits enhance vitamins and ironSupplementation of red palm olein-enriched biscuits improves levels of provitamin A carotenes, iron, and erythropoiesis in vitamin A-deficient primary schoolchildren: a double-blinded randomised controlled trial.
Highly relevant to anemia treatment
In a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial involving 651 rural primary schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 in Malaysia, we explored the effectiveness of red palm olein (RPO) biscuit supplements in addressing vitamin A deficiency (VAD). The children were split into two groups: one received biscuits enriched with RPO, while the other group received biscuits made with standard palm olein for a duration of six months.
Our findings revealed that the RPO-enriched biscuits significantly boosted the levels of provitamin A carotenes and iron in the participants. Remarkably, these biscuits also contributed to enhanced erythropoiesis—the process of producing red blood cells—which is crucial for combating anemia. Additionally, we observed anti-inflammatory effects, providing a comprehensive approach to improving the overall health of vitamin A-deficient children.
This study suggests that incorporating RPO into national nutritional programs could be a sustainable and effective strategy to mitigate vitamin A deficiency and its associated health impacts, particularly concerning anemia among children. Overall, the positive results indicate that vitamin A supplementation can indeed play a vital role in improving anemia and related health aspects in vulnerable populations.
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We investigated how persistent hypercalcemia—elevated calcium levels—affects hemoglobin levels in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Through a retrospective study including 385 patients, we analyzed the trajectories of hemoglobin in those with and without hypercalcemia.
Our findings revealed a surprising link: KTRs with persistent hypercalcemia exhibited higher hemoglobin levels over time—an increase of about 0.76 g/dL per year. This was especially pronounced in men, who showed an increase of 0.80 g/dL per year, compared to a more modest rise of 0.36 g/dL per year in women.
Additionally, our data indicated that these patients had a greater risk of developing post-transplant erythrocytosis, a condition characterized by an elevated red blood cell count. This relationship invites further consideration about the role of calcium levels in blood health, suggesting that rather than causing anemia as might be expected, hypercalcemia may drive erythrocytosis in this unique patient population.
Overall, this study emphasizes the complexity of calcium’s role in post-transplant health and highlights the importance of monitoring hemoglobin levels in KTRs, especially those with persistent hypercalcemia.
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Vitamin A reduces anemia effectivelyNutritional Management of Low Birth Weight and Preterm Infants in Low- and Low Middle-Income Countries.
Relevance highlighted by anemia intervention
We explored how vitamin A treatment impacts anemia in infants, particularly those born with low birth weight. The evidence suggests that vitamin A supplementation plays a significant role in reducing anemia rates in these vulnerable populations.
Our findings indicated that this intervention not only helps in managing anemia but also aids overall infant health, supporting their development during crucial early months. By enhancing vitamin A levels, we can potentially prevent severe health issues and boost resilience against infections.
However, it’s worth noting that the benefits of vitamin A are often observed alongside other nutritional strategies, making it essential to consider a comprehensive approach in dietary interventions for these infants.
Overall, vitamin A emerges as a vital component of nutritional strategies aimed at improving health outcomes for low birth weight infants.
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Vitamin A reduces anemia prevalenceAssociation between vitamin A supplementation and stunting and anemia in socially vulnerable Brazilian children.
Significant impact observed in study
We explored how vitamin A supplementation can help reduce anemia in socially vulnerable children. Our study focused on children aged 6 to 59 months living in favelas in a Northeast Brazilian city. By collecting data on their health and nutrition, we aimed to see if vitamin A could play a key role in combating anemia, which affects more than half of the children in our sample.
Out of the 598 children we assessed, we discovered that 55.6% were anemic. Notably, those who received vitamin A supplementation showed promising results: the likelihood of suffering from anemia decreased by 31%. Furthermore, children who received a full course of vitamin A were found to be 58% less likely to experience anemia than those who had not completed the regimen.
Our findings suggest that vitamin A supplementation serves as an effective protective tool against anemia for kids in these challenging social conditions. This highlights the importance of vitamin A in supporting better overall health for vulnerable populations.
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