Does vitamin a supplements work?

GiveWell rates the evidence as very strong. See the sources on this page for the full reasoning.

How cost-effective is it?

It depends on the charity and the setting. The table on this page lists each published figure with its source. All are modeled, not guaranteed.

Regular vitamin A doses for children under five, which help prevent deaths from common infections.

Very strong

Strength of evidence, as rated by GiveWell

GiveWell rates vitamin A supplementation evidence as very strong; many high-quality studies show impact though results vary by study.

Whether vitamin A supplementation remains as effective amid improved child health since older trials; some studies find small or no effects.
Coverage surveys often cover only one campaign round / selected districts; potential non-representativeness.
Wide variation / possible incomplete other-actor costs in some countries.

Charity	Figure	Source
Helen Keller IntlCost per life saved	$3,500 per life saved2022–2024 average	GiveWell (opens in a new tab)
Helen Keller IntlCost per child-year of vitamin A	$2 per child, per year of vitamin A2022–2024 average	GiveWell (opens in a new tab)

Modeled, not guaranteed. Figures in different units measure different kinds of good and should not be compared directly.

Does vitamin a supplements work?: GiveWell rates the evidence as very strong. See the sources on this page for the full reasoning.
How cost-effective is it?: It depends on the charity and the setting. The table on this page lists each published figure with its source. All are modeled, not guaranteed.