vitamin A + vitamin C + vitamin E + selenium + zinc + folinic acid

This investigational nutritional supplement combination was developed by the **UCL Institute of Child Health** for the treatment of infants with **Down syndrome** (trisomy 21). The formulation consists of a specific blend of antioxidants—including **vitamin A** (0.9 mg), **vitamin C** (50 mg), **vitamin E** (100 mg), **selenium** (10 μg), and **zinc** (5 mg)—combined with **folinic acid** (0.1 mg). The biological rationale for this intervention was based on the hypothesis that the overexpression of genes on chromosome 21, specifically copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (**SOD1**) and cystathionine β-synthase (**CBS**), leads to increased oxidative stress and abnormal folate metabolism, potentially contributing to neurodevelopmental delays. However, a large randomized, placebo-controlled trial (NCT00378456) involving 156 infants found no significant improvement in psychomotor or language development compared to placebo, leading to the conclusion that this specific supplementation does not benefit developmental outcomes in this population.

Other names

Antioxidants and folinic acid supplementationVitamins and Minerals for Children With Downs SyndromeUCL ICH Down syndrome supplement