The relationship between serum retinol concentrations and subclinical infection in rural Brazilian children

Laísla França Da Silva Teles,Cecilia Maria Resende Gonçalves De Carvalho,Liania Alves Luzia,Adriana De Azevedo Paiva,Flávia Emília Leite De Lima-Ferreira,Patrícia Helen De Carvalho Rondó

doi:10.1590/1678-98652018000300004

Laísla França Da Silva Teles, Cecilia Maria Resende Gonçalves De Carvalho + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-98652018000300004

Copy DOI

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the relationship between serum retinol concentrations and subclinical infection in children from rural settlements. Methods A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out in nine rural settlements in the northeastern region of Brazil, involving 118 children aged 6 to 59 months. The relationship between serum retinol and C-Reactive Protein levels, an important marker of infectious and inflammatory processes, was investigated by multiple linear regression, controlling for demographic, socioeconomic and nutritional variables. Serum retinol and C-Reactive Protein were measured, respectively, by High Performance Liquid Chromatography and immunoturbidimetric assay in automated equipment. Results Vitamin A deficiency (retinol <0.70μmol/L) was identified in 9.3% of the children. C-Reactive Protein was the only predictor of retinol concentrations in the final regression model, causing a 0.728μmol/L reduction in retinol concentrations in the studied children (p=0.008). Conclusion Vitamin A deficiency is a problem of mild/moderate severity and measures to control infectious diseases in this population are fundamental to prevent and/or combat this problem.

Highlights

The main manifestations of Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD), an essential micronutrient related to cell growth, immunity and vision, are associated with increased rates of infant morbidity and mortality [1]
C-Reactive Protein was the only predictor of retinol concentrations in the final regression model, causing a 0.728μmol/L reduction in retinol concentrations in the studied children (p=0.008)
Mean fat intake was lower than the Adequate Intake (AI) in children under the age of 1 year

Summary

Introduction

The main manifestations of Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD), an essential micronutrient related to cell growth, immunity and vision, are associated with increased rates of infant morbidity and mortality [1]. It is estimated that 190 million children under the age of 5 years worldwide have low serum retinol concentrations (

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion