Adequate Amounts Of Vitamin Research Articles

Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in southern Finland

BackgroundDiet and endogenous vitamin D synthesis are possible sources of vitamin D in wild rabbits. Higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations have been reported in rabbits after artificial UVB light exposure than in rabbits without this exposure, suggesting that endogenous vitamin D synthesis occurs in the former group. In Finnish pet rabbits, diet was reported as main source of vitamin D, while outdoor access was not. Finland’s northern location only enables endogenous synthesis from mid-March to mid-October in people with light skin type. Living conditions during winter are challenging for Finnish wild rabbits. This study aimed to measure serum 25(OH)D concentrations and possible natural seasonal variation of vitamin D concentrations in Finnish wild rabbits.ResultsPost-mortem blood samples (n = 78) were collected between 2013 and 2021 from wild rabbits hunted for reduction of the wild rabbit population. Separated sera were stored at − 80 °C until 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Data regarding sex were available from 50 rabbits, 29 (58%) of which were females. Mean 25(OH)D concentration was 3.3 (range 0.3–7.1) ng/ml. 25(OH)D concentration was statistically similar between season (autumn, winter, summer), month or year of sample collection, and sex.ConclusionsWild rabbits living in Finland have very low serum 25(OH)D concentrations. This is far below the previously suggested threshold of vitamin D deficiency in rabbits (17 ng/mL) or the mean 25(OH)D concentration reported in Finnish pet rabbits (26.0 ng/mL). Seasonal variation was not observed in 25(OH)D concentrations between winter and summer months. Even though rabbits are crepuscular animals and may spend the mid-day in underground burrows, the very low observed 25(OH)D concentrations raise doubt about whether vitamin D synthesis occurs efficiently in the skin of rabbits and whether the diet of wild rabbits provides adequate amounts of vitamin D. Cutaneous vitamin D synthesis, possible long-term consequences of low 25(OH)D concentrations, and the association of low vitamin D status with other health disorders warrant further investigations in rabbits.

Vitamin E and beta-carotene status of dairy cows: a survey of plasma levels and supplementation practices

Culling rate in dairy cattle has increased considerably, thereby reducing cowś longevity and raising sustainability concerns worldwide. In the last decades, feeding systems have changed towards larger inclusion of preserved forages and reduced fresh herbage, which may limit vitamin E and beta-carotene dietary supply to dairy cows. Because of higher oxidative stress, engendered by greater milk production of modern genetics, the requirement for these nutrients is increased. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the current status of vitamin E and beta-carotene of commercial dairy cows. Blood vitamin E and beta-carotene concentrations were measured in 2 467 dairy cows from 127 farms in Belgium, Germany, Iberia and The Netherlands, that were visited once. Five cows were randomly selected per lactation stage per farm: Dry (between 30 and 1 day(s) before calving), Very-early (from calving until 15 days in milk (DIM)), Early (between 16 and 119 DIM), and Mid-late (from 120 DIM onwards). In addition, a survey was conducted to retrieve data on vitamin E and beta-carotene supplementation and feeding practices. Vitamin E and beta-carotene blood concentrations dropped considerably around calving. Among all surveyed cows, more than 75 and 44% were deficient in vitamin E and beta-carotene (i.e., blood concentration below 3.0 and 3.5 mg/l, respectively). Of the Very-early group, more than 97 and 78% of the cows were deficient in vitamin E and beta-carotene, respectively, with respective blood concentrations of 1.15 and 2.71 mg/l, which was significantly lower than the other lactation stages. Vitamin E and beta-carotene blood concentrations, as well as their supplementation levels, significantly varied among countries. Vitamin E and beta-carotene blood concentrations were positively related to the total estimated daily intakes of vitamin E and beta-carotene. Therefore, blood concentrations of vitamin E and beta-carotene depend on their respective level of intake, which is generally below recommendations and varies greatly between countries. Supplementation could contribute to provide cows with adequate amounts of vitamin E and beta-carotene all along the lactation, to ensure their lifetime performance and improve their fertility.

A Comprehensive Review on the Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among School- Aged Children around the World

Vitamin D is an essential compound for growth and development throughout the human lifecycle. The deficiency of vitamin D is a major health problem worldwide in all age groups. It maintains normal level of calcium, Phosphorus and provide protection from the diseases and individual’s risk of developing, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, heart failure, strokes, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, muscle weakness, respiratory tract infection, skeletal deformities and others. Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Korea, Japan, Canada, England, China, India and Australia. About 90% of the Vitamin D required for the body function is sourced from sunlight throughout the world. Upon sun exposure body synthesizes pre-vitamin D in the skin, which is then converted into active Vitamin D in the liver and kidney. In addition, the dietary sources including fish, cod liver oil, egg yolk, milk products are considered as rich sources of Vitamin D. However, an adequate amount of Vitamin D supplementation through dietary sources are not possible; therefore, sunlight exposure along with Vitamin D supplements proportionate to the age for adult and children are suggested by the medical care professionals to overcome Vitamin D deficiency. This review aims to provide an overview of Vitamin D level in various ethnic and geographical origins, including prevalence, causal factors and possible dietary & supplementary interventions in practice to combat the Vitamin D deficiency. Key words: Vitamin D deficiency, Prevalence, Fortification, Sources, Functions, Health risks, Worldwide.

Metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiome composition associated with vitamin D supplementation in Taiwanese infants

Early childhood is a critical stage for the foundation and development of the gut microbiome, large amounts of essential nutrients are required such as vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating calcium homeostasis, and deficiency can impair bone mineralization. In addition, most people know that breastfeeding is advocated to be the best thing for a newborn; however, exclusively breastfeeding infants are not easily able to absorb an adequate amount of vitamin D from breast milk. Understanding the effects of vitamin D supplementation on gut microbiome can improve the knowledge of infant health and development. A total of 62 fecal sample from healthy infants were collected in Taiwan. Of the 62 infants, 31 were exclusively breastfed infants and 31 were mixed- or formula-fed infants. For each feeding type, one subgroup of infants received 400 IU of vitamin D per day, and the remaining infants received a placebo. In total, there are 15 breastfed and 20 formula-fed infants with additional vitamin D supplementation, and 16 breastfed and 11 formula-fed infants belong to control group, respectively. We performed a comparative metagenomic analysis to investigate the distribution and diversity of infant gut microbiota among different types of feeding regimes with and without vitamin D supplementation. Our results reveal that the characteristics of infant gut microbiota not only depend on the feeding types but also on nutrients intake, and demonstrated that the vitamin D plays an important role in modulating the infant gut microbiota, especially increase the proportion of probiotics in breast-fed infants.

Polymer-Free Emulsion-Templated Graphene-Based Sponges for Contaminant Removal

An emulsion-templated porous material can be formed by polymerizing the continuous phase of high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPEs). Although polymerization is a key step to maintain the pore size and integrity of the final sponge, it lowers the effective specific surface area of the final sponge as the continuous phase makes up at least half of the HIPE's volume. Hence, eliminating the need of polymerization not only eases the material processing but also leads to a greater specific surface area. Here, we report a novel strategy in which none of the emulsion phases require polymerization and is therefore a versatile methodology. For this purpose, several oil-in-water Pickering emulsions were prepared using graphene oxide (GO) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as the stabilizing agents. GO nanosheets are then reduced by mixing the emulsions with an adequate amount of vitamin C as a green reducing agent. Removal of the oil phase via multiple washing and boiling steps results in the formation of the ultimate reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/CNC sponge. The integrity of the structure remains intact and results in the formation of pores that are comparable in size to the droplets because of (i) the strong adhesion of GO and CNC at the oil/water interface in the initial Pickering emulsions and (ii) the strong intermolecular interactions between GO and CNC particles within the water phase. The sponge was then evaluated for its contaminant removal applicability using methylene blue and found to be effective in different water chemistries and outperform previously reported poly(HIPEs) and granular activated carbon. This is the first report on the formation of a polymer-free emulsion-templated sponge, and we believe that this novel nanomaterial paves the road for the fabrication of other emulsion-templated sponges. Although the proposed application in this work is contaminant removal, it could also be utilized in forming electronic devices and sensors because of the incorporation of rGO as a conductive component.

Anatomical and Biochemical Studies of Solanum melongena and Solanum nigrum

Anatomical, mineral and nutritional studies were carried out on various parts of Solanum nigrum and Solanum melongena using standard techniques. Analysis of variance was employed for data analysis. Anatomical studies showed that the two species have similar features in the transverse sections of their leaves and stem but have dissimilar features in the transverse sections of their roots. The mineral result revealed varying quantities of the minerals in the various parts of the two species. The highest mineral composition in S. melongena was selenium (1030.0± 10.0) which was found in the root, while potassium (2.75±1.59) which was found in the stem was the least. The highest mineral composition in S. nigrum was calcium (873.33±16.67) which was found in the leaves, while potassium was the least (2.26± 0.55) found in the root. Vitamin studied showed varying quantities of the vitamins in the various parts of the two species. The highest vitamin was vitamin A in the root of both species when compared to the other parts. The implication is that the two species are closely related and this justified their placement in the same genus Solanum while the slight difference between them supports their separation into different species. The result also indicated that the various part of the two species contained adequate amount of vitamins and minerals for human consumption.

Sunlight, UV Radiation, Vitamin D, and Skin Cancer: How Much Sunlight Do We Need?

Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin for good reason. During exposure to sunlight, the ultraviolet B photons enter the skin and photolyze 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D3 which in turn is isomerized by the body's temperature to vitamin D3. Most humans have depended on sun for their vitamin D requirement. Skin pigment, sunscreen use, aging, time of day, season, and latitude dramatically affect previtamin D3 synthesis. Vitamin D deficiency was thought to have been conquered, but it is now recognized that more than 50% of the world's population is at risk for vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency is in part due to the inadequate fortification of foods with vitamin D and the misconception that a healthy diet contains an adequate amount of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency causes growth retardation and rickets in children and will precipitate and exacerbate osteopenia, osteoporosis and increase risk of fracture in adults. The vitamin D deficiency pandemic hasother serious consequences including increased risk of common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular disease. There needs to be a renewed appreciation of the beneficial effect of moderate sensible sunlight for providing all humans with their vitamin D requirement for health.

2,4-Thiazolidinedione in Well-Fed Lactating Dairy Goats: II. Response to Intra-Mammary Infection.

In a prior experiment, treatment of goats with the putative PPARγ agonist 2,4-thiazolidinedione (2,4-TZD) ameliorated the response to intramammary infection without evidence of PPARγ activation. The lack of PPARγ activation was possibly due to deficiency of vitamin A and/or a poor body condition of the animals. Therefore, the present study hypothesized that activation of PPARγ by 2,4-TZD in goats supplemented with adequate amounts of vitamin A can improve the response to sub-clinical mastitis. Lactating goats receiving a diet that met National Research Council requirements, including vitamin A, were injected with 8 mg/kg BW of 2,4-TZD (n = 6) or saline (n = 6; control (CTR)) daily. Two weeks into treatment, all goats received Streptococcus uberis (IMI) in the right mammary gland. Blood biomarkers of metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative status plus leukocytes phagocytosis were measured. Mammary epithelial cells (MEC) and macrophages were isolated from milk and liver tissue collected for gene expression analysis. Milk fat was maintained by treatment with 2,4-TZD, but decreased in CTR, after IMI. Haptoglobin was increased after IMI only in 2,4-TZD without any effect on negative acute phase proteins, indicating an improved liver function. 2,4-TZD vs. CTR had a greater amount of globulin. The expression of inflammation-related genes was increased by IMI in both macrophages and MEC. Except for decreasing expression of SCD1 in MEC, 2,4-TZD did not affect the expression of measured genes. Results confirmed the successful induction of sub-clinical mastitis but did not confirm the positive effect of 2,4-TZD on the response to IMI in well-fed goats.

Vitamin D Deficiency Prevalence and Predictors in Early Pregnancy among Arab Women.

Data regarding the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D deficiency during early pregnancy are limited. This study aims to fill this gap. A total of 578 Saudi women in their 1st trimester of pregnancy were recruited between January 2014 and December 2015 from three tertiary care antenatal clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Information collected includes socio-economic, anthropometric, and biochemical data, including serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, intake of calcium and vitamin D, physical activity, and sun exposure indices. Pregnant women with 25(OH)D levels <50 nmol/L were considered vitamin D deficient. The majority of participants (n = 468 (81%)) were vitamin D deficient. High levels of indoor activity, whole body clothing, multiparity, total cholesterol/HDL ratio(>3.5), low HDL-cholesterol, and living in West Riyadh were significant independent predictors for vitamin D deficiency, with odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval) of 25.4 (5.5–117.3), 17.8 (2.3–138.5), 4.0 (1.7–9.5), 3.3 (1.4–7.9), 2.8 (1.2–6.4), and 2.0 (1.1–3.5), respectively. Factors like increased physical activity, sun exposure at noon, sunrise or sunset, high educational status, and residence in North Riyadh were protective against vitamin D deficiency with ORs 0.2 (0.1–0.5); 0.2 (0.1–0.6); 0.3 (0.1–0.9); and 0.4 (0.2–0.8), respectively. All ORs were adjusted for age, BMI, sun exposure, parity, summer season, vitamin D intake, multivitamin intake, physical activity, education, employment, living in the north, and coverage with clothing. In conclusion, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Saudi women during early pregnancy was high (81%). Timely detection and appropriate supplementation with adequate amounts of vitamin D should reduce the risks of vitamin D deficiency and its complications during pregnancy.

The feeding of rams on farms of the "Macedonia" Cooperative of Chios sheep breeders

The aim of this study was to verify the adequacy of ram rations in intensively reared flocks of the Chios breed. Data were collected from the 66 farms of the "Macedonia" Cooperative of Chios Sheep Breeders and were evaluated using requirements published by INRA and NRC. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance. Ram requirements for net energy lactation, digestible protein, absorbable calcium and absorbable phosphorus were greatly exceeded. Farm classification in three groups (A, Β and C, 26,15 and 25 farms, respectively), based on net energy offered during maintenance (100%, 122% and 154% of requirements, respectively), showed that there was considerable area for improvement; the use of large quantities of concentrates is unjustified. Location, considerable on-farm feed production and zero grazing were associated with farm classification in group C. Rations used during the pre-breeding and the breeding periods offered 40-50% more net energy than required. Protein requirements were greatly exceeded (200-250%); alfalfa hay was the basic roughage and soybean and other oilseed meals (10% and 5%, respectively) were included in the concentrates. Calcium requirements were greatly exceeded as well. However, 1 out of 4 farms was providing inadequate amounts of phosphorus during maintenance. Moreover, adequate amounts of vitamins and trace minerals were offered by 37.9% of farms only, during maintenance. This situation was improved during the pre-breeding and the reeding periods (54.5% and 74.2%, respectively), but it was still far from desirable. It was estimated that balanced rations would decrease annual ram feeding expenses by at least 20€. At the same time, incidences of elevated body condition scores and their detrimental effects on ram fertility and some diseases, like urolithiasis, would be greatly reduced.

Determination of the level of knowledge and attitudes of mothers regarding vitamin d use in Konya

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Abstract&#x0D; Objective: This study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes of mothers having children 0-3 years of age, regarding Vitamin D use. Materials and Methods: The population of this descriptive study comprised of mothers having children 0-3 years of age, who registered in a family health center in Konya between the dates 15 December – 31 January, 2015. Of this population, the experimental sample consisted of mothers who voluntarily accepted to participate in the study. The data was collected by the researchers by means of a questionnaire having 25 questions based on literature review. Face to face interview was conducted with participants to fill up the questionnaire. Data was analysed statistically using SPSS 22.0 packet program. Means, percentages, frequencies and chi- square test was performed to evaluate the data. Results: 59% of mothers belonged to the age group of 26-35 years, 58% had an education level of at least high school or above. All of the participants had given birth in the hospital, and 66% stated that they had not attended any health related training prior to birth. 33% of the mothers mentioned that they gave vitamin D to their children on a regular basis and 40% stated that mothers milk contained adequate amounts of vitamin D. No difference was found between education level of mothers and health related training prior to birth, in regard to vitamin D usage for their children (p &gt;0,05). Conclusion: The level of knowledge of mothers and their attitudes regarding regular vitamin D usage for their children were not found to be at an adequate level. In this respect, health personnels working at the family health centers must take more responsibility for the education and training of mothers visiting them.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: 0-3years aged children, vitamin D, level of knowledge, health personnels, mother&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

The effect of dietary intake of antioxidant micronutrients on burn wound healing: a study in a tertiary health institution in a developing country.

BackgroundBurn injury results in emotional stress affecting dietary intake and antioxidant micronutrient intake, which is known to have effects on recovery outcomes. The study aimed to assess dietary intake of antioxidant micronutrients and recovery outcomes of burn patients.MethodsQuestionnaires were administered to 40 burn patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Ghana) from January 1, 2014 to May 30, 2014. The data taken include anthropometric measurements and dietary assessment. Their nutrient intakes were assessed with the Nutrient Analysis Template. The average intakes were compared to the recommended daily allowance. Assessment of recovery was based on records of wound healing assessments and infection rates from the health practitioners.ResultsA cross-sectional study of 40 patients revealed an average total burn surface area (TBSA) of 31.4 %, where 70.0, 35.0, 75.0, 52.5, 12.5 and 32.5 % patients were deficient in vitamins A, C and E, zinc, copper and selenium, respectively and adequate amounts of vitamin C intake were related with significantly better wound healing progress. Positive wound healing outcomes were observed for patients with adequate vitamins A and E and zinc intake. Less infection presented among patients with adequate amount of vitamins A and C and zinc, but this was not observed for patients with adequate vitamin E, copper and selenium.ConclusionsMost burn patients did not meet their dietary requirements for antioxidant micronutrients and this was due to meals not tailored to suit individual requirements. Adequacy of the antioxidants especially vitamin C resulted in positive wound healing outcomes. Hence, there is need for planned well-balanced meals of high vitamin C.

Vitamin D: something new under the sun.

Vitamin D: something new under the sun.

β-Carotene yield and productivity of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam.) as influenced by irrigation and fertilizer application treatments

β-Carotene rich orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are increasingly used in community-based interventions aimed at addressing vitamin A deficiency, but are often cultivated in marginal soils and with sub-optimal agricultural inputs. The aim of the study was to determine (i) β-carotene content, β-carotene yield and water productivity at increments of water application, and, (ii) β-carotene content and β-carotene yield at increments of chemical fertilizer application for orange-fleshed sweet potato in separate field trials. β-Carotene content at the low irrigation treatment was between 15 and 34% higher than at optimal irrigation treatment. Increased water application brought about a two-fold increase in β-carotene yield per unit area. The best combination of β-carotene yield and water productivity (g β-carotene ha−1mm−1 water applied) was achieved at the intermediate (60%) irrigation treatment. Calculations showed that 1ha of orange-fleshed sweet potato produced at the intermediate water application at yield level of 24.6–28.4tha−1, can potentially provide 452–730 households (of six persons) with an adequate amount of vitamin A over a period of 180days. β-Carotene content was 14% higher for both intermediate (50%) and high (100%) fertilizer treatments, compared to the 0% fertilizer treatment. β-Carotene yield increased two-fold at the intermediate and four-fold at the high fertilization treatment. This paper provides novel information on the effect of irrigation on β-carotene yield, as well as β-carotene water productivity in orange-fleshed sweet potato. Follow-up research on a range of varieties is suggested toward obtaining recommendations for broad application in vitamin A crop-based interventions to optimize the β-carotene yield in orange-fleshed sweet potato.

The Bioavailability of Vitamin E in Fortified Processed Foods

Objectives: Vitamin E is an important human lipophilic antioxidant and is required for many metabolic functions. A high vitamin E intake appears to favorably impact a variety of disease processes. The vitamin E intake, excluding sup-plemental intake, of the vast majority of adults is below the current recommended level. By consuming vitamin E-enriched food, it is possible to take in adequate amounts of vitamin E. Vitamin E intake from enriched foods might prevent certain diseases without the need to ingest specific vitamin E supplements. The vitamin E that is present in enriched foods has to exhibit maximal bioavailability to ensure a sufficient intake of vitamin E from one portion of fortified food. The aim of the present study was to develop an enriched food that has highly bioavailable vitamin E. Furthermore, we wanted to examine whether vitamin E bioavailability can be affected by the technological properties of fortified food. Methods: Volunteers were given test foods (cream cheese and mayonnaise) that had been fortified with 60 mg of RRR-α-tocopherol. The test foods were technologically modified and the bioavailability of RRR-α-tocopherol was determined via a short-term kinetic measurement, which was 24 h long, and a long-term kinetic measurement, which was 28 d long. The test foods were characterized with respect to matrix properties. Results: In comparison to the mayonnaise group the serum α-tocopherol area under the curve (AUC) was significantly higher in the cream cheese group, as shown in the short-term kinetic (p = 0.010) and long-term kinetic (p = 0.017) studies. Conclusions: In conclusion, RRR-α-tocopherol was more bioavailable in cream cheese than in mayonnaise in both short-term and long-term periods. Hence, food matrices affect bioavailability of RRR-α-tocopherol. Fortified foods with proven high α-tocopherol bioavailabilities could be merchandised as functional foods with diseases prevention properties.

Influence of Maternal Nutrient Restriction during the Period of Embryonic and Maximal Placental Growth on Organ Development in the Adult Sheep

Objective: It is apparent that maternal under nutrition at specific period during pregnancy has differential effects on placental and fetal development, such that the resulting offspring is programmed to be at risk of disease in later life. The study investigated the influence of restricted maternal nutrition during the period of embryonic and maximal placental growth (i.e. 0 &ndash; 95 days gestation; term &asymp;147 days) on the developmental and programming of mitochondrial voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC) and cytochrome c in the lung of the resulting ovine adult. Materials and Methods: Singleton bearing ewes were nutrient restricted between 0 and 95 days of pregnancy and lung weight, the abundance of VDAC and cytochrome c were determined in the resulting adult at 3 years of age, using immunoblotting. Nutrient restricted ewes were fed 50% of their metabolisable energy (ME) requirements (4.0 MJ/day), and diet consisted of 250g hay/day and 210g/day of dried grass pellets (2.2 MJ/day). All diets contained adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. Results: Maternal nutrient restriction had no effect on lung weight, protein and total mitochondrial protein; but caused a significant reduction (P&lt;0.05) in VDAC and cytochrome c abundance. Kidney weight was not affected but cytochrome c abundance was significantly (P&lt;0.05) down regulated. Liver weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced by nutrient restriction, but no effect on VDAC and cytochrome c abundance. Conclusion: Although maternal nutrient restriction over the period of embryonic and maximal placental growth has no effect on lung weight, it reduces the production of mitochondrial VDAC and cytochrome c at 3 years of age and this may affect the adaptation of the adult sheep.Key words: Maternal, nutrient restriction, pregnancy, placenta, organ, development, Sheep

On the aetiology of autism.

I have suggested that the primary environmental trigger for autism is not vaccinations, toxins or infections, but gestational and early childhood vitamin D deficiency (1,2). Subsequently, the title of an article in Scientific American recently asked, ‘What if vitamin D deficiency is a cause of autism?’ (3) Since then, an article on vitamin D and autism in Acta Paediatrica (4) and the accompanying commentary (5) have added to the accelerating suspicion that vitamin D deficiency – either during pregnancy or early childhood – may be an environmental trigger for the genetic disease of autism. I will not repeat the evidence from my original 2007 paper and I am well aware that evidence consistent with a theory is not proof of that theory. Instead, I concentrate on papers either published since my paper, or on evidence I overlooked when researching the original paper. Finally, I explain my reasons why this theory deserves immediate attempts to disprove it. Simultaneous with the above two Acta Paediatrica publications, a paper elsewhere reported that among 117 adult psychiatric outpatients is Sweden with various diagnoses, the 10 patients with autism had the lowest vitamin D levels of any of the groups studied, a mean of 12 ng ⁄mL (31 nM), approaching the osteomalacic range for adults and the rachitic range for children (6). Even more interesting, some of the patients seemed to improve when treated with an average dose of about 4000 IU of vitamin D ⁄day. The authors did not say if the improvement occurred in the autism group. A 2008 review detailed the devastating effect gestational vitamin D deficiency has on developing mammalian brains (7). Unfortunately, the tiny 10 lg (400 IU) dose in prenatal vitamins is virtually irrelevant in preventing the current epidemic of gestational vitamin D deficiency (8). For this reason, in 2007, the Canadian Paediatric Society cautioned pregnant women they may require not 400 IU ⁄day but 2000 IU ⁄day, or more, to prevent gestational vitamin D deficiency (9). If adequate amounts of vitamin D prevent autism, one would expect children with rickets to have an increased risk of autism. To my knowledge, the neuropsychiatric symptoms of rickets have not been studied in the modern era. However, at least two old papers have addressed it (10,11), both published before Kanner described autism in 1943. Both papers describe ‘weak mindedness,’ ‘feeble minds,’ ‘mental dullness,’ unresponsiveness and developmental delays. Even more intriguing, both papers report that the mental condition in rickets improved with vitamin D. Another of the mysteries of autism is the apparent increased incidence of autism in the children of richer college-educated parents, especially women, a finding announced a few months ago (12). Actually, this is not a new finding. As I discussed in my original paper, this has been known since the early 1980s but was dismissed as being because of ascertainment bias. This very recent report correlates well with a 2007 CDC report (13), which found a similar increased risk for the wealthy and well-educated, Articles in the series A Different View are edited by Alan Leviton (alan.leviton@childrens.harvard.edu). We encourage you to offer your own different view either in response to A Different View you do not fully agree with, or on an unrelated topic. Acta Paediatrica ISSN 0803–5253

Regulation of CMO1 and CMO2 expression during mouse embryonic development

β‐carotene‐15, 15′‐oxygenase (CMO1) and β‐carotene‐9,10′‐oxygenase (CMO2) are the only enzymes known to generate vitamin A from β‐carotene. Both are expressed in mouse and human embryonic and extraembryonic tissues, suggesting a role for β‐carotene as a localized source of vitamin A for developing tissues. Studies indicate that β‐carotene cleavage activity is regulated by nutrient availability in adult tissues. Here we investigate whether nutrient availability may regulate the expression of CMO1 and CMO2 during mouse embryogenesis.Wildtype and CMO1−/− pregnant females were administered β‐carotene by IP injection at 13.5 dpc and sacrificed one day later to collect maternal serum and liver, embryos, yolk sac and placenta. This procedure leads to detectable amounts of β‐carotene in these tissues. Real‐time PCR analysis demonstrated that, in maternal liver, CMO1 expression is down‐regulated while CMO2 is up‐regulated with increasing amounts of β‐carotene. Furthermore, HPLC analysis revealed that administration of β‐carotene also altered maternal serum retinol levels, suggesting the existence of highly regulated mechanisms to ensure that adequate amount of vitamin A are available to the embryo. Experiments are ongoing to analyze the changes in CMO1 and CMO2 expression in embryonic tissues in response to maternal β‐carotene availability and vitamin A status.Grant Funding Source: NIH 5R01HD57493.

Solarier, vitamin D og hudkreft

Some researchers have suggested to use an indoor tanning device (solarium) as a vitamin D source for disease prevention. The article is based on non-systematic searches in PubMed and ISI, and the authors' experience from epidemiologic research and studies of solarium irradiance. Vitamin D deficiency is an established risk factor for rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults; and is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Several studies have found a beneficial role of vitamin D on both incidence and prognosis for other diseases, e.g. cancer, but causal relationships with vitamin D cannot yet be concluded. Sun exposure, our main source of vitamin D, is also an established risk factor of skin cancer. Moderate sun exposure generally provides an adequate amount of vitamin D during summer. Dietary intake of vitamin D is adamant when sun exposure is low. Solarium use seems to increase. Mean irradiance from solariums is higher than that from the summer sun in Oslo; 1.5 times higher for UVB and 3.5 times for UVA . Use of solarium increases the risk of skin cancer and was classified as carcinogenic to humans in 2009; positive health effects are not sufficiently documented. Recommendations on restricted solarium use should be maintained.

Micronutrient Supplementation in Adult Nutrition Therapy: Practical Considerations

Preexisting micronutrient (vitamins and trace elements) deficiencies are often present in hospitalized patients. Deficiencies occur due to inadequate or inappropriate administration, increased or altered requirements, and increased losses, affecting various biochemical processes and resulting in organ dysfunction, poor wound healing, and altered immune status with deleterious sequelae. Guidelines for the 13 essential vitamins and 10 essential trace elements have been established. These recommendations, however, are applicable to healthy adults and not to critically ill patients, in whom decreased serum levels may indicate actual deficiencies or a deficiency due to redistribution. Benefits of supplementation over and above the daily requirements, which may not result in increased serum levels, are also unclear and may, in fact, be detrimental. Vitamin requirements are increased in disease states, but a similar recommendation for trace elements has not been initiated except for selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). In practice, a multivitamin preparation and a multiple trace element admixture (containing Zn, Se, copper, chromium, and manganese) are added to parenteral nutrition formulations. Most enteral nutrition preparations also contain adequate amounts of vitamins and trace elements, although bioavailability may be an issue. Detailed information about individual micronutrient use specifically in hospitalized adult patients receiving nutrition therapy will be discussed, emphasizing the practical and clinical aspects. Clinicians are encouraged to think of micronutrients not as nutritional supplements alone but also as therapeutic agents and nutraceuticals.