The effect of vitamin A supplementation on the intestinal immune response in Mexican children is modified by pathogen infections and diarrhea

Abstract

Vitamin A supplementation has consistently reduced infant mortality and the severity of pathogen-induced diarrhea. The mechanism by which vitamin A modulates the mucosal immune response to produce these effects remains poorly defined. To address this issue, stools collected during the summer months from 127 Mexican children 5-15 mo old enrolled in a larger, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, vitamin A supplementation trial were screened for interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and gastrointestinal pathogens. Fecal cytokine values were categorized into 3 levels (undetectable,