Table 1

Summary description of included studies

AuthorsYear of publicationCountryTotal number of participantsIntervention armComparator armFollow-up monthsPrimary outcomes
Karyadi et al292002Indonesia110Daily dose of retinol (1500) equivalents vitamin A (5000 IU) as retinyl acetate and zinc (15 mg) as zinc sulfateThe placebo contained lactose alone with anti-TB drugs6 monthsThe primary outcomes of the study were clinical responses and nutritional status.
Lawson et al502010Nigeria233Zinc (90 mg) five times and daily dose of vitamin A (5000 IU)Placebo with Anti-TB drugs6 monthsThe primary outcomes of the study were sputum smear conversion and resolution of radiographic abnormalities.
Pakasi et al512010Indonesia152Daily dose of zinc only (15 mg), vitamin A only (5000 IU), and combined.Placebo and anti-TB drugs6 monthsThe primary outcome of the study was sputum smear conversion.
Visser et al332011South Africa154Daily dose of retinyl palmitate (200 000 IU) equivalent to retinol (5000 IU) plus zinc (5 mg) for 8 weeks durationsStandard anti-TB drugs6 monthsThe primary outcomes of interest were sputum smear and culture conversion.
Ginawi et al482013India82Daily dose of Zinc (15 mg), Vitamin A (5000 IU) and combinedPlacebo and anti-TB drugs6 monthsThe primary outcomes of the study were tuberculosis treatment outcomes and biochemical indexes.
Range et al322005Tanzania499Daily dose of zinc tablets contained 45 mg of elementary zincPlacebo tablets which were identical in colour, shape and size.2 monthsThe primary outcome of interest was sputum culture conversion.
Armijos et al462010Mexico39Daily dose of vitamin A (5000 IU/day) as retinyl acetate and zinc (50 mg) as zinc chelate for 4 monthsPlacebo group subjects received organoleptically identical, matched placebos2 monthsThe primary outcomes of interest were sputum smear conversion and nutritional status.
Singh et al472013India26Daily dose of zinc capsules (50 mg) elemental Zinc as Zinc sulphate and vitamin A capsule (25 000 IU) of vitamin A as Vitamin A palmitateAnti-TB drugs only2 monthsThe primary outcome of the study was sputum smear conversion.
Kumar et al522018India80Daily dose of zinc tablets (15 mg)Anti-TB drugs only2 monthsThe primary outcomes were sputum smear conversion and serum zinc levels.

  • TB, tuberculosis.