28/04/2020
Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia severity is associated with Vitamin A deficiency in children
Article Highlights
• Children and young adults are particularly susceptible to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, which is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia.
• Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamins A, D and E, can adversely affect immune function and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
• A recent observational study identified that children with severe and non-severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia had inadequate serum vitamin A levels.
• Vitamin A deficiency was significantly associated with disease severity, particularly in children under 6 years of age.
• Supplementation with vitamin A can reduce the incidence of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.