Abstract
Objective: Brazilian national data show a significant deficiency in pediatric vitamin E consumption, but there are very few studies evaluating laboratory-proven nutritional deficiency. The present study aimed to settle the prevalence of vitamin E deficiency (VED) and factors associated among school-aged children attended at a primary health unit in Ribeirão Preto (SP). Methods: A cross-sectional study that included 94 children between 6 and 11 years old. All subjects were submitted to vitamin E status analysis. To investigate the presence of factors associated with VED, socioeconomic and anthropometric evaluation, determination of serum hemoglobin and zinc levels, and parasitological stool exam were performed. The associations were performed using Fisher's exact test. Results: VED (α-tocopherol concentrations <7 μmol/L) was observed in seven subjects (7.4%). None of them had zinc deficiency. Of the total of children, three (3.2%) were malnourished, 12 (12.7%) were anemic, and 11 (13.5%) presented some pathogenic intestinal parasite. These possible risk factors, in addition to maternal-work, maternal educational level, and monthly income, were not associated with VED. Conclusions: The prevalence of VED among school-aged children attended at a primary health unit was low. Zinc deficiency, malnutrition, anemia, pathogenic intestinal parasite, maternal-work, maternal educational level, and monthly income were not a risk factor for VED.
Highlights
Vitamin E (VE) is an essential lipid-soluble antioxidant nutrient required in small quantities for important biological processes
The role of VE was clearly shown in premature infants that had received VE deficient formula; those children developed hemolytic anemia and edema[3]
Studies regarding healthy schoolchildren VE status in developing countries are lacking, but some authors showed insufficient ingestion[9]; this study aimed to evaluate the VE inappropriate concentrations prevalence in schoolchildren enrolled in a primary health care service in Ribeirão Preto (SP, Brazil) and verify the association between some risk factors and this condition
Summary
Vitamin E (VE) is an essential lipid-soluble antioxidant nutrient required in small quantities for important biological processes. Higher serum α-tocopherol concentrations were related to lower general mortality, and cancer and cardiovascular diseases were lower[1,2]. The severe VE deficiency (VED) may cause various degrees of neurologic deficits, hemolytic anemia, impaired lipid absorption, and could lead to a progressive neurological syndrome including cerebellar ataxia and posterior cord injury; a severe deficiency is rare and may occur related to a specific anomaly of hepatic VE or intestinal secretion of VE, excessive endogenous consumption, abetalipoproteinemia, cystic fibrosis, chronic cholestatic liver disease, short-bowel syndrome, and other fat malabsorption syndromes[4,5,6]. In addition to the VE low ingestion, such as protein-calorie undernourishment and low consumption of fruits and vegetables[7], other factors like low serum zinc levels, iron deficiency anemia, parasitic infestation, and low socioeconomic profile may be associated with VED and can aggravate and/or contribute to this deficiency[8]. Studies regarding healthy schoolchildren VE status in developing countries are lacking, but some authors showed insufficient ingestion[9]; this study aimed to evaluate the VE inappropriate concentrations prevalence in schoolchildren enrolled in a primary health care service in Ribeirão Preto (SP, Brazil) and verify the association between some risk factors and this condition
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