THE EFFECT OF VITAMIN-A SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE GROWTH OF PRESCHOOL-CHILDREN IN THE SUDAN

Objectives. This study assessed the effect of vitamin A supplementatio n at 6-month intervals on child growth. Methods. Sudanese children (n = 28 740) 6 to 72 months of age were weighed and measured at baseline and at each of three follow-up visits. Results. Periodic vitamin A sup plementation had no effect on the rate of weight or height gain in the total population or on the incidence of wasting, stunting, or wasting and stunting among children who were normally nourished at baseline. Conclusions. Reducing poverty and improving access to adequate diets s hould remain the goals of programs designed to improve the nutritional status of malnourished populations.