Effect of multivitamin supplementation on the neurodevelopment of HIV-exposed Tanzanian infants: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies and in utero exposure to HIV may impair infant neurodevelopment. Objective: To evaluate the effect of daily multivitamin supplementation on the cognitive, language and motor development of HIV-exposed Tanzanian infants. Methods: A total of 2387 infants were randomized to receive daily oral supplementation of multivitamins (B-complex, C and E) or placebo from age 6 weeks for 24 months. The cognitive, language and motor scales of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition, were administered to a subset of 206 infants at age 15 months. Results: Multivitamin supplementation did not improve measures of cognitive development, expressive or receptive language or gross motor capabilities. There was a trend toward improved fine motor skills among infants randomized to the multivitamin group (difference in mean score=0.38; 95% CI=-0.01, 0.78, p=0.06). Conclusion: Daily provision of multivitamins to HIV-exposed infants does not substantially improve developmental outcomes at age 15 months. © The Author [2014]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.