We conducted a double-masked, placebo-controlled trial involving 15,832 Nepali women to explore how vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation affects pregnancy-related nausea and overall illness symptoms. Our observations showed that while there was no noticeable impact during the early stages of pregnancy, vitamin A supplementation made a significant difference in late pregnancy.
Specifically, we found that women who received vitamin A experienced a reduction in nausea. Additionally, symptoms such as faintness and night blindness were also less prevalent in those women. Beta-carotene supplementation did not yield the same benefits for nausea, highlighting the unique role of vitamin A in managing these symptoms.
Moreover, supplementation with vitamin A contributed to a shorter labor duration, which is promising for expectant mothers. It also helped reduce the postpartum risks of conditions like night blindness and loose stools. Overall, our findings indicate that ensuring adequate vitamin A intake can be important for improving reproductive health in women, particularly in areas with limited healthcare access.