Serum Micronutrient Concentrations Research Articles

Micronutrients and socio-demographic factors were major predictors of anaemia among the Ethiopian population.

Anaemia is characterised by low hemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Despite being a public health concern in Ethiopia, the role of micronutrients and non-nutritional factors as a determinant of Hb concentrations has been inadequately explored. This study focused on the assessment of serum micronutrient and Hb concentrations and a range of non-nutritional factors, to evaluate their associations with the risk of anaemia among the Ethiopian population (n 2046). It also explored the mediation effect of Zn on the relation between se and Hb. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify the relationship between serum micronutrients concentration, inflammation biomarkers, nutritional status, presence of parasitic infection and socio-demographic factors with Hb concentration (n 2046). Sobel-Goodman test was applied to investigate the mediation of Zn on relations between serum se and Hb. In total, 18·6 % of participants were anaemic, 5·8 % had iron deficiency (ID), 2·6 % had ID anaemia and 0·6 % had tissue ID. Younger age, household head illiteracy and low serum concentrations of ferritin, Co, Cu and folate were associated with anaemia. Serum se had an indirect effect that was mediated by Zn, with a significant effect of se on Zn (P < 0·001) and Zn on Hb (P < 0·001). The findings of this study suggest the need for designing a multi-sectorial intervention to address anaemia based on demographic group.

Inflammation and micronutrient deficiency as major risk factors for anemia in children with intestinal failure:A longitudinal cohort study.

Most data on anemia in children with intestinal failure (IF) have been obtained from studies in which the data were collected at a single point in time. We aimed to identify the frequency of anemia and factors associated with hemoglobin levels in children with IF during their course of home parenteral nutrition. We performed a longitudinal cohort study of patients with IF followed up at a pediatric intestinal rehabilitation center. Outcome variables were hemoglobin levels and prevalence of anemia during the follow-up period. The exposure variables were age, duration of parenteral nutrition, chronic disease, and serum concentrations of C-reactive protein, iron, copper, selenium, vitamins A, D, B12 , and folic acid. Twenty-five children with a median time of receiving parenteral nutrition of 40.7 months were included. A median (and interquartile range) of 40.7 (25.2-58) hemoglobin measurements were performed per patient. Mean (SD) hemoglobin was 10.7 (1.8) g/dL at baseline and 11.6 (0.9) g/dL in the last observation (paired t test, P = 0.07); 32% of patients had mean hemoglobin values below the lower limit for age. In a multivariable predictive model, having C-reactive protein >1 mg/dL was associated with a decrease of 0.57 g/dL in hemoglobin (95% CI, -0.90 to -0.24, P = 0.01), and an increase of 1 mg/L in vitamin A concentration was associated with the increase of 0.93 g/dL in Hb level (95% CI, 0.24-1.61; P = 0.008). Anemia affects almost one-third of children with IF and its frequency decreases during the follow-up period. Hemoglobin levels are associated with inflammatory response and serum micronutrient concentrations.

Micronutrient status of individuals with overweight and obesity following 3\xa0months\u2019 supplementation with PolyGlycopleX (PGX\xae) or psyllium: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSafe and effective weight control strategies are needed to curtail the current obesity epidemic worldwide. Increasing dietary fibre has shown positive results with weight loss as well as in the reduction of metabolic syndrome risk factors. However, fibre can act as an inhibitor to the bioavailability of micronutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. While there is a substantial amount of scientific research into psyllium fibre, PolyGlycopleX (PGX®) is a novel fibre and as yet the effects of PGX® on micronutrient status is not well researched.AimTo determine whether 3-months’ supplementation with 15 g of psyllium or PGX® fibre daily affects micronutrient status of overweight and obese adults.MethodsOverweight and obese individuals with a BMI between 25–40 kg/m2 and aged between 18 and 65 years, but otherwise healthy, were instructed to consume a 5 g sachet of psyllium, PGX® fibre or a rice flour placebo three times a day for 52 weeks as part of a larger long-term study. Blood sample data for the first 3 months were analysed for associations between serum micronutrient levels and psyllium fibre and/or PGX® supplements.ResultsNo significant differences between fibre supplement groups and micronutrient status were found after 3 months at p > 0.05. Dietary intake of vitamin C was significantly lower for PGX® at 3 months compared to baseline and compared to control (p < 0.05). Folate was significantly lower in the control group after 3 months (p < 0.05). In the psyllium group, folate, sodium, zinc and magnesium intake decreased after 3 months (p < 0.05). A limitation of dietary intake data (tertiary measure) is the potential for inaccurate self-reporting, although reduced nutrient intake could be due to the satiating effect of dietary fibre.ConclusionsThere were no significant between group differences in serum micronutrient concentrations after a 3-month psyllium fibre or PGX® supplementation intervention of 15 g per day. Fibre supplementation is unlikely to compromise the nutritional status of overweight and obese individuals in the short term. Further research is recommended to monitor micronutrient status over a longer period or with a higher fibre dosage.

Associations between Genetically Proxied Inhibition of Lipid-Lowering Drug Targets and Serum Micronutrients among Individuals of European Descent: A Mendelian Randomization Study

BackgroundLimited and inconclusive data exist concerning the associations between lipid-lowering drugs and serum micronutrient concentrations. MethodsWe conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to explore the associations between lipid-lowering drug targets and serum micronutrients. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding molecular targets of LDL cholesterol-lowering therapies were selected as instrumental variables for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR; target of statins), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9; target of PCSK9 inhibitors), and Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1; target of ezetimibe). Exposure data were extracted from a published genome-wide association study (GWAS) of lipids in 188,577 European individuals, with outcome data obtained from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) GWAS database (https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk). Overall, age and sex information were not calculable from the summary-level GWAS data. MR analyses were performed using the inverse-variance weighted method and MR sensitivity analysis methods. ResultsWe found genetically proxied inhibition of HMGCR to lower iron (effect, –0.16; 95% CI: –0.27, –0.06; P value = 0.003), zinc (effect, –0.83; 95% CI: –1.36, –0.31; P value = 0.002), magnesium (effect, –0.17; 95% CI: –0.27, –0.06; P value = 0.003), potassium (effect, –0.17; 95% CI: –0.27, –0.06; P value = 0.002), genetically proxied inhibition of NPC1L1 to increase calcium (effect, 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.46; P value = 0.003), retinol (effect, 0.25; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.44; P value = 0.01), and genetically proxied inhibition of PCSK9 to increase vitamin D (effect, 0.10; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.12; P value = 1.8 × 10–19). These associations were robust in MR sensitivity analyses. However, the associations between genetically proxied inhibition of HMGCR and NPC1L1 and the micronutrients were not consistent in multiple comparisons. ConclusionsOur results provide evidence that statin use may lower serum concentrations of iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium, PCSK9 inhibitors may increase serum vitamin D, and ezetimibe may increase serum calcium and retinol concentrations.

Association Between Micronutrient Concentrations and Human Epididymis Protein 4.

BackgroundHuman epididymis protein 4 (HE4) has been frequently used to study in many malignant tumors, while serum nutritional markers are used to determine a person’s health status. However, the link between serum micronutrient concentrations and HE4 has not yet been clarified.MethodsA total of 2464 eligible female participants and serum concentrations of nutritional biomarkers were chosen from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2001–2002. For statistical analysis, we used the χ2 test, multivariable linear regression, and analysis of variance. Adjusted models were used, and the concentrations of serum nutritional biomarkers were divided into quartiles.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 48.07 years. Among twelve micronutrients, five were negatively associated with HE4 in models 1, 2 and 3. Only α-carotene, trans-β-carotene, cis-β-carotene, trans-lycopene and retinol were associated with HE4, with beta coefficients of −0.102, −0.027, −0.506, −0.131 and −0.054, respectively. After performing quartile-based analysis, statistical significance was only found for serum α-carotene, trans-lycopene, and retinol in the three models. In model 3, the beta coefficients [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of the fourth quartiles compared to the first quartiles for α-carotene, trans-lycopene, and retinol were −3.390 (−5.053, −1.727), −4.036 (−5.722, −2.351) and −4.146 (−5.899, −2.393), respectively. Serum concentrations of these three nutritional biomarkers were inversely related to serum HE4 concentration (p trend <0.001).ConclusionHE4 is a useful and novel biomarker that can be used with many diseases, especially ovarian cancer. Three of our selected micronutrients were inversely associated with HE4 concentration. Supplement of micronutrients may reduce the levels of HE4 and the subsequent of ovarian cancer’s risk. Therefore, a formula that correlates HE4 with nutritional biomarkers needs to be established before use in clinical applications.

Effects of a plant-based fatty acid supplement and a powdered fruit, vegetable and berry juice concentrate on omega-3-indices and serum micronutrient concentrations in healthy subjects

The major aim of this controlled, randomised, open-labelled, parallel-grouped, clinical trial was to investigate whether supplementation with different dosages of omega-3 fatty acids (0.5 g/d and 1 g/d) from a plant-based fatty acid supplement affected omega-3-indices (O3I) in well-nourished, healthy people. In addition, the combined ingestion of the plant-based fatty acid supplement, together with an encapsulated fruit, vegetable and berry (FVB) juice powder concentrate, was applied in order to observe the absorption of certain micronutrients and to examine some aspects related to the safe consumption of the products. The data demonstrate that the intake of only 0.5 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids from of a vegan supplement was able to increase the O3I significantly after 8 and 16 weeks. The combined ingestion with the FVB supplement concurrently increased serum concentrations of specific vitamins and carotenoids without effects on hepatic, kidney and thyroid function or changes in blood lipids.

What Is Known About the Nutritional Intake of Women during Pregnancy Following Bariatric Surgery? A Scoping Review.

Optimising the diet and weight of women prior to and during pregnancy is of paramount importance to both maternal and offspring health. In women who become pregnant after bariatric surgery, evidence suggests a better overall obstetric outcome in comparison to women with severe obesity managed conservatively. Historically, most studies in this population group have monitored supplement adherence or serum concentrations of micronutrients, rather than dietary intake. The aim of this study was to synthesise current knowledge of the dietary intake of women during pregnancy following bariatric surgery. A systematic search of search engines was conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane database, Scopus, Trip, NHS Evidence, UK Clinical Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, Prospero, Epistemonikos and Open Grey. Titles and abstracts were screened independently by two reviewers against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After removal of duplicates, 1594 titles were identified, of which 1586 were initially excluded. Following full-text review, four articles were included. In total, across all four studies, data from only 202 bariatric surgery participants were included, the majority of whom had had one type of surgery. Just one study included a control group. Reporting of nutritional outcomes was heterogenous, with none of the studies including complete macro and micronutrient intake results in their articles. An insufficient intake of protein was noted as a concern in two studies and associated with poor fetal growth in one study. Overall, this review has identified a paucity of data about the dietary intake of women during pregnancy after bariatric surgery.

Improved micronutrient status and health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries following large-scale fortification: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACTBackgroundMicronutrient malnutrition is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and disproportionately affects women and children. Although the effectiveness of large-scale food fortification (LSFF) of staple foods to prevent micronutrient deficiencies in high-income settings has been demonstrated, its effectiveness in LMICs is less well characterized. This is important as food consumption patterns, potential food vehicles, and therefore potential for impact may vary substantially in these contexts.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the real-world impact of LSFF with key micronutrients (vitamin A, iodine, iron, folic acid) on improving micronutrient status and functional health outcomes in LMICs.MethodsAll applicable published/unpublished evidence was systematically retrieved and analyzed. Studies were not restricted by age or sex. Meta-analyses were performed for quantitative outcomes and results were presented as summary RRs, ORs, or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs.ResultsLSFF increased serum micronutrient concentrations in several populations and demonstrated a positive impact on functional outcomes, including a 34% reduction in anemia (RR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.74), a 74% reduction in the odds of goiter (OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.43), and a 41% reduction in the odds of neural tube defects (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.70). Additionally, we found that LSFF with vitamin A could protect nearly 3 million children per year from vitamin A deficiency. We noted an age-specific effect of fortification, with women (aged >18 y) attaining greater benefit than children, who may consume smaller quantities of fortified staple foods. Several programmatic/implementation factors were also reviewed that may facilitate or limit program potential.ConclusionsMeasurable improvements in the micronutrient and health status of women and children are possible with LSFF. However, context and implementation factors are important when assessing programmatic sustainability and impact, and data on these are quite limited in LMIC studies.

Influence of petroleum product exposure on serum micronutrient concentrations in automobile mechanics

Background Aim of the Study: Occupation-related pathological presentations have been recognized in automobile mechanics, several of which are oxidative stress-induced. Altered micronutrient levels can help in predicting the possibility of oxidative stress-related diseases. It is for this reason that micronutrient levels are being assessed in auto mechanics. Materials and Methods: Questionnaire was administered to obtain information on workers' safety assessment, lifestyle choices, and work experience. Estimation of micronutrient levels was carried out on sera of 80 adult males, 40 of whom were auto mechanics and the other 40 constituted the control group. Essential trace elements (Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, Co, Fe, Mo, and Cr) and vitamins (Vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Student's t-test was utilized to establish a significant difference between test and control groups. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Micronutrients with antioxidant attributes such as Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, Vitamin E, and ascorbic acid were significantly reduced compared with controls. Data obtained from an administered questionnaire showed that there were no conscious efforts or program to ensure the safety of the mechanics. Conclusions: Auto mechanics are prone to altered serum micronutrient levels.

Hair Mineral and Trace Element Contents as Reliable Markers of Nutritional Status Compared to Serum Levels of These Elements in Children Newly Diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at high risk for nutritional deficiencies because of long-term inflammation in the gut mucosa and decreased oral intake. Because inflammation responses affect serum micronutrient concentrations, serum levels are limited in reflecting body nutrient status in acute and chronic illness. We investigated the usefulness of measuring trace elements in hair as reliable markers of nutritional status compared to serum levels in children with IBD. We retrospectively analyzed pediatric patients newly diagnosed with Crohn's disease (n = 49) and ulcerative colitis (n = 16) and controls (n = 29) from 2012 to 2016. Serum micronutrient levels, inflammatory markers, and hair trace element content were evaluated and compared at the time of diagnosis and before initiating treatment. Serum calcium (p < 0.001), iron (p < 0.001), zinc (p = 0.013), selenium (p = 0.008), albumin (p < 0.001), prealbumin (p < 0.001), hemoglobin and hematocrit (p < 0.001), and WBC (p = 0.001) and lymphocytes (p < 0.001) differed significantly between the groups. After adjustment for the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum zinc and selenium levels were no longer significantly different between the groups (p < 0.062 and p < 0.057, respectively). Following hair analysis for mineral and trace elements, iron (p = 0.033), selenium (p = 0.017), and manganese (p = 0.009) differed significantly between the groups. Serum micronutrient levels need cautious interpretation in conjunction with inflammatory markers. Hair mineral and trace element measurement may support understanding micronutrient status in children with IBD.

SUN-PP109: Changes in Serum Micronutrient Concentrations Among Sarcopenic Older Adults Consuming a Specific Oral Nutrition Supplement

SUN-PP109: Changes in Serum Micronutrient Concentrations Among Sarcopenic Older Adults Consuming a Specific Oral Nutrition Supplement

SLC30A3 and SEP15 gene polymorphisms influence the serum concentrations of zinc and selenium in mature adults

Because of their numerous roles in several biological processes, zinc and selenium are the most commonly studied micronutrients in the elderly. Therefore, we hypothesized that the polymorphisms in the genes that are responsible for the transport of zinc and selenium may have a genotype-dependent effect on the serum concentration of these micronutrients. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of solute carrier family 30 member 3 (SLC30A3) and 15-kd selenoprotein (SEP15) polymorphisms on zinc and selenium concentrations, respectively, in the serum. This cross-sectional study included 110 individuals who were aged 50 years or older. Serum micronutrient concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (for zinc) and by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with a graphite furnace (for selenium). The single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs73924411 and rs11126936 of the SLC30A3 gene and rs5859, rs5854, and rs561104 of the SEP15 gene, were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Regarding rs11126936, the serum zinc concentration was lower in CC homozygotes (0.75 ± 0.31 mg/L) than in A carriers (0.89 ± 0.28 mg/L, P = .016). Concerning rs561104, the serum selenium concentration was higher in CC homozygotes (5.65 ± 1.11 μg/dL) compared with T carriers (4.88 ± 1.25 μg/dL, P = .044). Our results demonstrate the influence of SLC30A3 and SEP15 gene polymorphisms on the serum concentrations of zinc and selenium, respectively. The effects of these associations should be further investigated to help elucidate the modes of action of trace elements and to identify biomarkers, which could ultimately define the optimal intake of these micronutrients at the molecular level. More research must be performed before the roles of these polymorphisms in the serum concentrations of zinc and selenium can be fully understood.

Normal taste acuity and preference in female adolescents with impaired 6-n-propylthiouracil sensitivity.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between 6-n-propylthiouracil sensitivity and taste characteristics in female students at Nara Women's University. Participants (n=135) were screened for 6-npropylthiouracil sensitivity using a taste test with 0.56 mM 6-n-propylthiouracil solution, and the sensitivity was confirmed by an assay for the bitter-taste receptor gene, TAS2R38. Based on the screening results, 33 6-npropylthiouracil tasters and 21 non-tasters were enrolled. The basic characteristics that are thought to influence taste acuity, including body mass index, saliva volume and serum micronutrient concentrations (iron, zinc and copper), were similar between the two groups. In an analysis using a filter-paper disc method, there were no differences in the acuity for four basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour and bitter) between 6-n-propylthiouracil tasters and non-tasters. In addition, the taste preference for the four basic tastes as measured by a visual analogue scale was also comparable between the two groups. This is the first study to demonstrate that 6-n-propylthiouracil nontasters have taste sensitivity for the four basic tastes similar to that in 6-n-propylthiouracil tasters, at least in female adolescents, as measured by the gustatory test using a filter-paper disc method.

Nutritional and Safety Outcomes from an Open-Label Micronutrient Intervention for Pediatric Bipolar Spectrum Disorders

The purpose of this study was to report the safety, tolerability, and serum micronutrient concentrations and their correlations with mood changes from an 8 week pilot feasibility study of a 36 ingredient multinutrient supplement, EMPowerplus (EMP+), for pediatric bipolar spectrum disorders (BPSD). Ten children ages 6-12 received EMP+ escalating from one to four capsules t.i.d., with four children increased to the maximum suggested dose, five capsules t.i.d. Outcome measures were micronutrient concentrations in serum and red blood cells, vital signs, body mass index (BMI), dietary intake (Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24 hour dietary recall interview), and mood and global functioning ratings. Seven children (70%) completed the study. Three (30%) terminated early for tolerability and compliance issues. Adverse effects were mild and transient, and chiefly consisted of initial insomnia or gastrointestinal (GI) upset. No differences occurred in BMI (p = 0.310) or waist-hip ratio (WHR; p = 0.674) pre- to postsupplementation. Four of the tested serum vitamin concentrations increased from pre- to postsupplementation: vitamin A-retinol, vitamin B6, vitamin E-α-tocopherol; and folate (all p<0.05). The increase in serum 25-OH vitamin D approached significance (p = 0.063). No differences were found in dietary intake pre- to postsupplementation, suggesting that blood nutrient level increases were caused by EMP+. In this open prospective study, short-term use of EMP+ in children with BPSD appeared safe and well-tolerated, with a side effect profile preferable to first-line psychotropic drugs for pediatric bipolar spectrum disorders. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial is feasible, appears safe, and is warranted by open-label clinical outcomes and plausible mechanisms of action, combined with documentation of increased serum concentrations of specific micronutrients.

Micronutrient fortification of food and its impact on woman and child health: a systematic review

BackgroundVitamins and minerals are essential for growth and metabolism. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 2 billion people are deficient in key vitamins and minerals. Groups most vulnerable to these micronutrient deficiencies are pregnant and lactating women and young children, given their increased demands. Food fortification is one of the strategies that has been used safely and effectively to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies.MethodsA comprehensive search was done to identify all available evidence for the impact of fortification interventions. Studies were included if food was fortified with a single, dual or multiple micronutrients and impact of fortification was analyzed on the health outcomes and relevant biochemical indicators of women and children. We performed a meta-analysis of outcomes using Review Manager Software version 5.1.ResultsOur systematic review identified 201 studies that we reviewed for outcomes of relevance. Fortification for children showed significant impacts on increasing serum micronutrient concentrations. Hematologic markers also improved, including hemoglobin concentrations, which showed a significant rise when food was fortified with vitamin A, iron and multiple micronutrients. Fortification with zinc had no significant adverse impact on hemoglobin levels. Multiple micronutrient fortification showed non-significant impacts on height for age, weight for age and weight for height Z-scores, although they showed positive trends. The results for fortification in women showed that calcium and vitamin D fortification had significant impacts in the post-menopausal age group. Iron fortification led to a significant increase in serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels in women of reproductive age and pregnant women. Folate fortification significantly reduced the incidence of congenital abnormalities like neural tube defects without increasing the incidence of twinning. The number of studies pooled for zinc and multiple micronutrients for women were few, though the evidence suggested benefit. There was a dearth of evidence for the impact of fortification strategies on morbidity and mortality outcomes in women and children.ConclusionFortification is potentially an effective strategy but evidence from the developing world is scarce. Programs need to assess the direct impact of fortification on morbidity and mortality.

Association between carotenoids and outcome of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a prospective cohort study

It has been suggested that micronutrients such as alpha-tocopherol, retinol, lutein, cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and alpha- and beta-carotene may help in the prevention of cervical cancer. Our aim was to investigate whether serum concentrations and/or dietary intake of micronutrients influence the regression or progression of low-grade cervical abnormalities. In a prospective cohort study of 391 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1-2 lesions, we measured serum micronutrient concentrations in addition to a self-administered questionnaire about dietary intake. We evaluated the hazard ratio (HR) adjusted for CIN grade, human papillomavirus genotype, total energy intake and smoking status. In non-smoking regression subjects, regression was significantly associated with serum levels of zeaxanthin/lutein (HR 1.25, 0.78-2.01, p=0.024). This benefit was abolished in current smokers. Regression was inhibited by high serum levels of alpha-tocopherol in smokers (p=0.042). In progression subjects, a significant protective effect against progression to CIN3 was observed in individuals with a medium level of serum beta-carotene [HR 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11-0.71, p=0.007), although any protective effect from a higher level of serum beta-carotene was weaker or abolished (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.24-1.13, p=0.098). Increasing beta-carotene intake did not show a protective effect (HR 2.30, 95% CI 0.97-5.42, p=0.058). Measurements of serum levels of carotenoids suggest that regression is modulated by smoking status. Maintaining a medium serum level of beta-carotene has a protective effect for progression; however, carotene intake is not correlated with serum levels of carotenoids.

Race/ethnicity, family income, and education differentials in nutritional biomarkers in American children and adolescents: NHANES 2003–2006

Diet, an acknowledged correlate of health may mediate the known race/ethnic and socioeconomic differentials in the health of US children. However, few studies have systematically examined the independent association of ethnicity, income, and education with nutritional profiles of US children. We used the NHANES 2003–2006 data for 2–19 year old Americans to examine the independent associations of race/ethnicity, family income, and education with dietary intakes and serum concentrations of vitamins A, D, E, C, B‐6, B‐12, folate, and carotenoids (n ~ 2700 to 7500). Non‐ Hispanic blacks (NHB) had lower serum concentrations of vitamins A, B‐6, E, and alpha‐carotene relative to non‐Hispanic whites (NHW). Both NHB and Mexican‐Americans (MA) had higher serum vitamin C, beta‐cryptoxanthin and lutein/zeaxanthin, but lower folate and vitamin D concentrations relative to NHW. In NHB, the differences in mean dietary intakes of vitamins A, C, folate, alpha‐carotene, beta‐cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin were in a similar direction to that of biomarker concentrations. Family income and education predicted few biomarker or dietary outcomes and the observed associations were weak. In conclusion, race/ethnicity (but not family income or education) was a strong independent predictor of dietary intakes and serum concentrations of micronutrients in US children and adolescents. Supported by NIH grant award HD060217

Serum micronutrient concentrations and childhood asthma: the PIAMA birth cohort study

Research suggests an influence of micronutrients on childhood asthma. So far, evidence mainly originates from cross-sectional studies using nutrient intake data, which is not an accurate measure of nutrient status. This study aimed to investigate the cross-sectional and prospective associations between serum concentrations of magnesium, vitamin D, selenium, and zinc and prevalence of (severe) asthma, atopy, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in childhood. In the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort study, serum nutrient concentrations were available for a 4-yr-old subgroup (n = 372) and for a different 8-yr-old subgroup (n = 328). Yearly questionnaires inquired about asthma prevalence until 8 yr of age. Allergic sensitization was measured at 4 and 8 yr of age; BHR was measured at 8 yr of age. Data were analyzed with logistic regression and generalized estimating equations models. There was a consistent (non-significant) inverse association between serum magnesium concentrations and asthma prevalence. Serum vitamin D concentrations measured at age 4 were inversely associated with asthma at ages 4-8 [e.g., cross-sectional association between vitamin D tertile 3 vs. 1 and severe asthma: odds ratio (OR): 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25-0.95], whereas vitamin D measured at age 8 was positively associated with asthma at age 8 (e.g., cross-sectional association between vitamin D tertile 3 vs. 1 and severe asthma: OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 0.67-6.82). Our study contributes to the evidence that children with higher serum magnesium concentrations are less likely to have asthma. The associations between serum vitamin D concentrations and asthma were age-dependent.

Serum Micronutrient Concentrations and Risk of Uterine Fibroids

Although uterine fibroids are among the most common gynecologic conditions affecting women in the United States, research on uterine fibroids is sparse. This study explored the association between micronutrients and uterine fibroids. We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional analysis of 887 women aged 20-49 who participated in the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Serum micronutrient levels were collected during the health examinations, and information on uterine fibroids was assessed on self-reported questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) while controlling for confounders. A statistically significant dose-response relationship was observed between vitamin A and uterine fibroids, after adjustment for age, race, education, body mass index (BMI), and oral contraceptive (OC) use (middle vs. low: OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.35-4.37; high vs. low: OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.16-6.10, p for trend=0.02). After adjustment, a dose-response relationship also emerged for vitamin C, although these associations were not statistically significant. It is possible that certain micronutrients affect uterine fibroid development. If this is confirmed in large prospective studies, clinicians could advise susceptible populations on dietary changes to reduce their risk of uterine fibroids.

Associations between prebreeding serum micronutrient concentrations and pregnancy outcome in beef cows

To determine associations between serum concentrations of copper, molybdenum, selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E measured in beef cows at the start of the community pasture breeding season and pregnancy status at the end of the season. Prospective cohort study. 771 beef cows from 39 cow-calf herds. Serum micronutrient concentrations were measured in samples collected from cows on arrival at 5 different community pastures in Saskatchewan, Canada, in May 2008. Cows were palpated transrectally to determine pregnancy status in October 2008. Herd owners and professional herd managers were surveyed to collect individual data for cows (age, calving date, and history of exposure to bulls before the start of the breeding season) and information on herd and breeding management. Associations between animal-, herd-, and pasture-level variables and pregnancy status were examined. Serum concentrations of selenium, molybdenum, vitamin A, and vitamin E were not associated with pregnancy status after accounting for prebreeding body condition score, age, and calving-to-breeding interval. Serum copper concentrations were more commonly assessed as below adequate than were other micronutrients. Decreased serum copper concentrations were associated with increased odds of nonpregnancy in cows < 10 years of age. Prebreeding micronutrient supplementation programs should be carefully managed in herds with poor reproductive performance in areas known to be copper deficient, and evaluation of serum copper concentrations from a subset of cows should be considered before the start of the breeding season.