Efficacy of Biofortified Maize to Improve Maternal and Infant Vitamin A Status

Efficacy of Biofortified Maize to Improve Maternal and Infant Vitamin A Status

The purpose of this randomized control trial is to test the impact of provitamin A carotenoid biofortified maize meal consumption on maternal and infant vitamin A status.

Vitamin A deficiency remains a major public health problem in low and middle income countries. Approximately 50% of Zambian children are thought to be affected. This randomized control trial will test the efficacy of provitamin A carotenoid biofortified maize meal consumption as a strategy to improve vitamin A status among lactating Zambian mothers and their infants. The investigators will enroll up to 255 mother/infant pairs to a three-month study, during which they will receive one of the following three interventions: 1) conventional white maize, 2) provitamin A carotenoid biofortified orange maize, or 3) preformed vitamin A fortified white maize.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Singleton birth
• No birth defects
• Free from chronic health conditions
• Infant received 100,000 IU vitamin A at 6 months of age
• Currently breastfeeding
• Not pregnant at 9 months post partum
• Hemoglobin > 8.0 g/dL for women and > 7.0 g/dL for infants

Exclusion Criteria:

• Multiple birth
• Birth defects
• Any chronic health condition requiring regular medical visits
• Infant did not receive vitamin A capsule at 6 months of age
• No longer breastfeeding
• Pregnant
• Hemoglobin ≤ 8.0 g/dL for women or ≤ 7.0 g/dL for infants