Research Projects

A single oral dose of 100,000 IU Vitamin D3 supplementation given during the episode of severe pneumonia marginally improves the chances of early resolution of severe pneumonia without any clinically significant effect on the duration of illness; and specific or non-specific immune markers. The intervention does not prevent the recurrence of pneumonia in next six months, despite an improvement in vitamin D status in the supplemented group. We conclude that there is no robust evidence of a definite biological benefit to suggest a routine megadose supplement for under-five children with severe pneumonia.