Nutritional Status Of Vitamin Research Articles

Correlation between vitamin D and blood pressure in adolescents.

Introduction Low serum levels of vitamin D have been associated with hypertension worldwide. Hypovitaminosis D has been observed even in countries with high incidence of sunlight all year round. Several studies demonstrated a high prevalence of deficiency/insufficiency of vitamin D in adolescents. Objective To investigate the association between the nutritional status of vitamin D with anthropometric measures and blood pressure in overweight adolescents. Methods This a descriptive and cross-sectional study with overweight adolescents of both sexes aged 12-19 years. The anthropometric data, biochemical profile, blood pressure and serum vitamin D dosage were analyzed. The chi-squared test for verification of association and Student's t-test to compare medians between variables were used. Results There were high frequencies of hypovitaminosis D (34%) and hypertension (43.3%) in overweight adolescents. We observed an inverse correlation between serum vitamin D levels and BP (r = -0.28, p = 0.005). Patients with desirable serum vitamin D had lower body mass index values (31.3 kg/m2 vs. 33.9 kg/m2; p < 0.02), waist circumference (95.2 cm vs. 101.1 cm; p < 0.03), waist-to-height ratio (0.58 vs. 0.61; p < 0.03) and systolic blood pressure (120 mm Hg vs. 127.6 mm Hg; p = 0.007). Conclusions High frequency of vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased BP and adiposity in overweight adolescents.

Role of serum vitamin A and E in pregnancy.

Serum levels of vitamin A and E in early, middle and late pregnancy were analyzed to evaluate vitamin nutritional status in pregnancy, and provide guidance for pregnant women about vitamin supplements in pregnancy. In total, 28,023 serum samples were randomly selected from pregnant women in early, middle and late pregnancy between January 2013 and June 2014 in Beijing. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used to determine the concentration of serum vitamin A and E in pregnancy. The concentration of serum vitamin A in early, middle and late pregnancy was 0.33±0.08, 0.37±0.09 and 0.33±0.15 mg/l, respectively, total abnormal rate was 25.31%, and deficiency (24.98%) was the main feature. The rate of deficiency in the early pregnancy (38.22%) was greater than that in late pregnancy (35.13%). The serum vitamin E in early, middle and late pregnancy was 9.10±2.47, 14.24±3.66 and 15.80±5.01 mg/l, respectively, total abnormal rate was 5.60%, and excess (5.37%) was the main feature. The excess rate in early pregnancy was at the lowest level (0.50%), and reached the highest level (15.32%) in late pregnancy. The serum levels of vitamin A and E are different during pregnancy. Generally, vitamin A is deficient and vitamin E is in excess. Therefore, monitoring the vitamin A and E levels, and strengthening perinatal education and providing guidance for pregnant women to supply vitamins rationally play important role in guaranteeing maternal and fetal safety.

Maternal Anthropometry and Its Relationship with the Nutritional Status of Vitamin D, Calcium, and Parathyroid Hormone in Pregnant Women After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

To assess the influence of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), total gestational weight gain (TGWG), and pre-pregnancy surgical success on the nutritional status of vitamin D, calcium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the trimesters of pregnancy of women who previously underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This is an analytical, longitudinal, and retrospective study comprising 42 pregnant women who previously underwent RYGB. Concentrations of vitamin D3, calcium, and PTH were assessed in all trimesters. Anthropometric variables necessary for calculating TGWG, surgical success, and BMI were collected preoperatively and over the trimesters of pregnancy. A total of 97.1% had vitamin D3 inadequacy at some point in pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy BMI, even when classified as overweight, may have exacerbated the serum concentrations of this vitamin in the third trimester (p = 0.011), and it was significantly lower in women with normal weight and/or obesity (p = 0.039). It was evidenced that both pre-pregnancy BMI and TGWG above the recommended optimal weight can be associated with calcium homeostasis, especially early in pregnancy. It was also shown that surgical success in the pre-pregnancy period may have influenced the serum concentrations of vitamin D in the second trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.013). This study draws attention to the importance of monitoring the nutritional status of vitamin D3 and calcium in the prenatal period due to its relationship with pre-pregnancy BMI, TGWG, and surgical success.

Analysis of 25 (OH) D levels in children aged 0-12 years in Quanzhou area

Objective To study the serum level of 25(OH)D in children aged 0-12 years in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. Methods The clinical data at serum levels of 25(OH)D in children aged 0-12 years old in Quanzhou Women and Children′s Hospital were analyzed retrospectively from January 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017.The nutritional status of vitamin D in children at different genders, age and seasons were analyzed.All the subjects were divided into 3-6 years old group, and >6 years old group. Results A total of 5 830 children aged 0-12 years were included in this study.The serum 25(OH)D level was (68.85±22.53) nmol/L, and among them there were 4 682 cases (80.31%) of vitamin D abundant, 723 cases (12.40%) of vitamin D insufficient, 425 cases (7.29%) of vitamin D deficiency, and 0 case of both vitamin D overdose and poisoning.The levels of vitamin D in children in different seasons were different, and the levels of serum 25(OH)D in summer[(76.20±22.25) nmol/L] were significantly higher than those in other 3 seasons [vitamin D in spring, autumn and winter was (68.35±22.08) nmol/L, (62.35±21.88) nmol/L, (66.13±21.78) nmol/L, respectively], and the differences were all statistically significant (all P 0.05), while the levels of which were higher in boys in both >3-6 years old group and >6 years old group than those in girls [(64.63±19.53) nmol/L vs.(59.78±17.88) nmol/L, (57.63±16.65) nmol/L vs.(51.00±15.58) nmol/L], and the differences were all statistically significant (all P 3-6 years old group, >6-years old group were (84.08±26.93) nmol/L, (78.43±22.50) nmol/L, (64.43±19.55) nmol/L, (59.20±19.00) nmol/L], and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.01). Conclusions The serum levels of 25(OH)D in children aged 0-12 years in Quanzhou area are comparatively fine.Vitamin D supplementation in children over 3 years old should not be ignored. Key words: Child; 25(OH)D; Vitamin D

Do all infants need vitamin D supplementation?

A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in children has been observed worldwide, but there are few studies on the nutritional status of vitamin D (VD) in healthy infants. The main cause of deficiency in healthy children is breastfeeding without supplementation and lack or insufficiency of sun exposure. The aims of this study were to determine serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and verify its association with parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations and use of VD supplementation in healthy infants aged ≥ 6 to ≤ 24 months attended at two Primary Health Care Units in Ribeirão Preto city, São Paulo, Brazil. A cross-sectional, observational and analytical study was performed in which serum concentrations of 25(OH)D, PTH, alkaline phosphatase (AP), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and albumin were determined in 155 healthy infants. Information on sun exposure, sociodemographic aspects of mothers and clinical and nutritional characteristics of infants were obtained through interviews with responsible infants’s legal representatives. Ten infants (6%) presented deficient 25(OH)D serum concentration (≤20ng/ml) and 46 (30%), insufficient (21 to 29ng/ml). No changes in serum P, Ca and albumin concentrations were detected. Only one infant had an increase in PTH serum concentrations. 35% (55/155) of infants had high AP e 40% (22/55) presented insufficient serum concentrations of 25(OH)D but none presented deficient ones. There was a weak association between serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and PTH and an association between serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and P when adjusted for sex, age and BMI. There were no associations between inadequate serum concentrations of 25(OH)D (deficient ou insufficient), sun exposure and VD supplementation. This study found a low prevalence of deficient 25(OH)D serum concentration and high prevalence of insufficient ones which was not associated with changes in serum PTH, AP, P, Ca and albumin concentrations, VD supplementation and the formula volume intake.

Speculation on the laboratory test and clinical application of vitamin D

Vitamin D provides an adequate amount of calcium and phosphorus for the normal development and mineralization of a healthy skeleton, and it has been recognized as being essential for bone health for almost 100 years. Furthermore, Vitamin D is evolved into a hormone that has a wide diversity of biologic effects. This paper starts from a clinical case, then explores the reference interval of vitamin D and overviews the nutritional status of vitamin D in different regions of China. The laboratory test and standardization of vitamin D, the clinical significance and some misunderstandings in its popularization and application are all presented. The purpose of this paper is to let the public pay more and more attention to it, besides, there needs more deep understanding and thinking.(Chin J Lab Med, 2017, 40: 844-847) Key words: Vitamin D; Laboratory test; Methodology; Clinical application

Nutritional status of vitamin D and its influencing factors in preterm infants at the early stage after birth

Objective To investigate the nutritional status of vitamin D in preterm infants after birth and further explore its possible influencing factors, so as to guide clinical vitamin D therapy and to screen the preterm infants who are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency. Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted in the neonatal department of our hospital from April 21st, 2014 to February 5th, 2016. The serum 25(OH)D level in preterm infants were measured 2 weeks after birth. Data including gender, season of birth, time to initiation of breastfeeding were collected. According to the 25(OH)D levels[25(OH)D≤37.5 nmol/L, 37.5 nmol/L≤50.0 nmol/L, and 25(OH)D>50.0 nmol/L], all the preterm infants were divided into three groups: vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency groups. The influencing factors of vitamin D in preterm infants were screened by using statistical method. Results The mean 25(OH)D level of 172 preterm infants was (43.1±16.7)nmol/L. In vitamin D deficient, insufficient, and sufficient groups, there were 68 (40%), 50 (29%) and 54(31%) cases of preterm babies, respectively. The mean values of 25(OH)D in these three groups were (27.8±16.7)nmol/L, (42.4±3.4)nmol/L, and (63.0±11.7)nmol/L, respectively. Only the season of birth had significant difference among three groups (P=0.013): 44.2% of the preterm infants born in winter had vitamin D deficiency, which was higher than those in spring (41.7%), summer(33.3%), and autumn (38.1%); 44.2% of the preterm infants born in winter had vitamin D insufficiency, which was much higher than those in spring (30.6%), summer (25.1%), and autumn (19.0%); furthermore, only 11.6% of the preterm infants born in the winter had vitamin D sufficiency, which was much lower than those in spring (27.8%), summer (41.2%), and autumn (42.9%) (OR=4.655, 95% CI=1.716-12.627, P=0.003). Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency in preterm infants 2 weeks after birth is prevalent, and winter birth is a risk factor of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in preterm infants. Key words: Vitamin D; Preterm infants; Vitamin D deficiency

Study on anemia and vitamin A and vitamin D nutritional status of Chinese urban pregnant women in 2010-2012

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of anemia and the nutritional status of vitamins A and D by analyzing hemoglobin, serum retinol, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in Chinese urban pregnant women during 2010-2012. Methods: Data were obtained from the China Nutrition and Health Survey in 2010-2012. Using multi-stage stratified sampling and population proportional stratified random sampling, 2 250 pregnant women from 34 metropolis and 41 middle-sized and small cities were included in this study. Information was collected using a questionnaire survey. The blood hemoglobin concentration was determined using the cyanmethemoglobin method, and anemia was determined using the World Health Organization guidelines combined with the elevation correction standard. The serum retinol level was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, and vitamin A deficiency (VAD) was judged by the related standard recommended by the World Health Organization. The vitamin D level was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and vitamin D deficiency was judged by the recommendation standards from the Institute of Medicine of The National Academies. The hemoglobin, serum retinol, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were compared, along with differences in the prevalence of anemia, VAD, and the vitamin D deficiency rate (including deficiency and serious deficiency). Results: A total of 1 738 cases of hemoglobin level, 594 cases of serum retinol level, and 1 027 cases of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were available for analysis in this study. The overall blood hemoglobin level (P(50) (P(25)-P(75))) was 122.70 (114.00-131.10) g/L; 123.70 (115.21-132.00) g/L for metropolis and 122.01 (113.30-130.40) g/L for middle-sized and small cities. The blood hemoglobin level of metropolis residents was significantly higher than that of middle-sized and small city residents (P=0.027). The overall prevalence of anemia was 17.0% (295/1 738). The overall serum retinol level (P(50) (P(25)-P(75))) was 1.61 (1.20-2.06) μmol/L; 1.50 (1.04-2.06) μmol/L for metropolis and 1.63 (1.31-2.05) μmol/L for middle-sized and small cities. The serum retinol level of metropolis residents was significantly higher than that of middle-sized and small city residents (P=0.033). The overall prevalence of VAD was 7.4% (47/639); 11.5% (33/286) for metropolis and 4.0% (14/353) for middle-sized and small cities. A significant difference was observed in the prevalence of VAD between metropolis and middle-sized and small city residents (P<0.001). The overall serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level (P(50) (P(25)-P(75))) was 15.41 (11.79-20.23) ng/ml; 14.71 (11.15-19.07) ng/ml for metropolis and 16.02 (12.65-21.36) ng/ml for middle-sized and small cities. A significant difference was observed in the vitamin D level between metropolis and middle-sized and small city residents (P<0.001). The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 74.3% (763/1 027); A significant difference was observed in the prevalence of serious vitamin D deficiency between metropolis (30.64%(144/470)) and middle-sized and small city residents (26%(267/1 027))(P=0.002). There were no significant differences between blood hemoglobin level and the prevalence of anemia, VAD, and vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia in Chinese urban pregnant women improved from 2002 to 2012. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women was generally more serious, while a certain percentage of women had VAD. The prevalence of VAD and serious vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women from metropolis was significantly higher than that of pregnant women from medium and small-sized cities.

Components of the metabolic syndrome and its association with nutritional status of vitamin D in children and adolescents with obesity

ObjectiveIdentify the association between metabolic syndrome components and vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents with obesity in the Hospital Civil of Guadalajara.MethodsA cross‐sectional study in 65 obese patients aged 6 to 18 years old. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and the determination of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, lipid profile, glucose and insulin were performed. Children with endogenous obesity, diagnosis of endocrine diseases, or consumption of drugs that alter the absorption of vitamin D were excluded. Subjects were categorized as deficient or sufficient according to serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (&lt; or ≥ 30 ng/mL). Components of the metabolic syndrome were compared between children with or without vitamin D deficiency with Student t test. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the associations among components of the metabolic syndrome and anthropometric parameters.Results37 boys and 28 girls with a mean age of 10.3 ± 2.2 years were included. Vitamin D deficiency was identified in 32.3% of study subjects and the metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 53.2% of the population. The mean values of insulin (p= 0.05) and waist circumference (p= 0.06) were higher in the group with vitamin D deficiency, and systolic blood pressure was lower. Significant correlations were identified between insulin and Z score of BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p&lt; 0.05); and between waist circumference and Z score of BMI, HOMA‐IR index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency was associated with elevated insulin levels and waist circumference. It has been reported that vitamin D has direct and indirect effects on insulin release; therefore its deficit can accentuate the state of insulin resistance that occurs in obese subjects, and accelerate the development of metabolic syndrome.

Vitamin A supplementation in Brazilian pregnant and postpartum women: a systematic review.

To assess the impact of vitamin A supplementation on adult pregnant and puerperal women in Brazil regarding the content of vitamin A and secretory immunoglobulin A on colostrum and breast milk, in child's health conditions, and in mother-child binomial vitamin A status. A research was conducted in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Lilacs electronic databases for the studies published between January 2000 and January 2014. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed according to Jadad scale. The study search was conducted in January 2014, independently by two authors. Seven studies were found concerning the effects of vitamin A supplementation in the puerperal period on breast milk and infant morbidity. No study regarding pregnant women supplementation was found. The supplementation in the puerperal period raised the retinol content on breast milk, thus increasing the offer of vitamin A for the child and the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A on colostrum. There was no description of effects on infant morbidity. It seems that the advantages of postpartum supplementation were not established in the Brazilian program, although the supplementation contributes to a better nutritional status of vitamin A for both the child and the puerperal woman and increases the offer of vitamin A for the newborn through the breast milk.

Vitamin D nutritional status and the influencing factors in elderly inpatients

Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) level was examined to investigate the nutritional status of vitamin D in elderly inpatients.The influencing factors for vitamin D deficiency were also analyzed.The average serum 25-OHD concentration in elderly inpatients was (34.6 ± 16.2) nmol/L.Severe,moderate,and mild deficiency respectively accounted for 17.5％,73.0％,7.5％,and only 2.0％ was normal.Vitamin D deficiency existed seriouslly in elderly inpatients.The reasons were complicated.Bedridden time,advanced age,and length of stay were closely related. Key words: Vitamin D ; Inpatient ; Elderly ; Nutritional status ; 25-hydroxy vitamin D

Impact of Different Protocols of Nutritional Supplements on the Status of Vitamin A in Class III Obese Patients after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

This study aims to investigate the nutritional status of vitamin A (VA) using biochemical and functional indicators in subjects with class III obesity, before and after RYGB, supplemented with three protocols. The sample comprised 90 patients, with BMI ≥40kg/m(2), divided into three groups: G1 that received routine supplementation containing 5,000IU of retinol daily; G2 that received 10,000IU of retinol daily; and G3 that received routine supplementation plus complementary of 50,000IU of retinol intramuscularly every month. The status of VA was evaluated before (T0), 30days (T1), and 180days (T2) after surgery. The vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in G1, G2, and G3 was respectively 20.7, 21.2, and 20.2% as regards retinol and 37.8, 63.3, and 40% as regards β-carotene in T0; 26.7, 10, and 23.4% as regards retinol and 68, 37, and 32% as regards β-carotene in T1; and 21, 8.7, and 20.2% as regards retinol and 63.3, 20, and 32% as regards β-carotene in T2. A reduction of retinol and β-carotene with increasing BMI and waist circumference was observed in T0. The prevalence of night blindness (XN) in groups 1, 2, and 3 was respectively 23.3, 26.7, and 16.7% in T0; 56.7, 40, and 60% in T1; and 70, 43, and 63.3% in T2. The study showed high prevalence of VAD. Among the supplementation protocols used, the one containing 10,000IU of retinol showed the best impact. However, in cases of more severe VAD, intramuscular supplementation should be considered. The prevalence of XN, justifies attention to this segment of population.

Supplement Moringa oleifera leaves and their impact on the nutritional status of vitamin A, iron and zinc in preschools: A pilot study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a dried leaves of Moringa oleifera(MOL) supplement, on the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency(VAD), and iron and zinc status in preschool children at risk of malnutrition in rural disadvantaged areas of Hermosillo, Mexico.Subjects and MethodsA quasi‐experimental intervention accomplished a clinical study itself (n=56 children aged 3–5 years). A group (n=31) was supplemented with 1.17 g/day of MOL during 5 months, and another with no supplementation (n=25). Biochemical indicators (serum retinol and zinc, protoporphyrin, and hemoglobin) before and after supplementation. Socioeconomic, dietary and parasitic factors were used as covariate.ResultsPreschool children of farm workers in poverty communities showed inadequate dietary pattern of vitamin A (66.7%), iron (50.6%) and zinc (27.1%). There was a high prevalence of VAD (43.8%), anemia (11.9%) and intestinal parasites(from 47% to 64%). At the end of the study, supplementation reduced the prevalence of VAD (p&lt;0.05) from 40% to14.3% in the supplemented group. Significant changes for hemoglobin concentration between groups was observed (p&lt;0.001).ConclusionMOL supplementation showed a protective effect to maintain adequate levels of hemoglobin in the study population.

Tratamento dietético da hiper-homocisteinemia na doença arterial periférica

A homocisteína está envolvida na gênese da aterosclerose e, assim, é considerada um importante e prevalente fator de risco na doença arterial periférica. O estado nutricional vitamínico deficiente, em especial do folato, é a principal causa de hiper-homocisteinemia nesses casos. Embora ainda não haja consenso sobre a dose exata e a forma de utilização do folato em suplementos e sobre adequação alimentar ou fortificação de cereais para o tratamento da hiper-homocisteinemia, diversos estudos realizados em pacientes com doença vascular periférica mostraram que o folato, isoladamente, pode reduzir as concentrações de homocisteína, bem como a concentração de alguns marcadores biológicos do processo de aterosclerose. No entanto, estudos recentes não comprovaram esse benefício sobre o processo inflamatório associado à hiper-homocisteinemia. Desta forma, embora a utilização isolada do folato seja uma terapêutica custo-efetiva no controle da hiper-homocisteinemia, seu impacto na evolução das doenças arteriais ainda persiste inconclusivo. Esta revisão abordará os efeitos obtidos com as diversas formas de utilização do folato no tratamento da hiper-homocisteinemia.

Nutritional Status of Vitamin D and the Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation in Korean Breast-fed Infants

We investigated the vitamin D status and the effect of vitamin D supplementation in Korean breast-fed infants. The healthy term newborns were divided into 3 groups; A, formula-fed; B, breast-fed only; S, breast-fed with vitamin D supplementation. We measured serum concentrations of vitamin D (25OHD3), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (AP), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and bone mineral density (BMD) at 6 and 12 months of age. Using questionnaires, average duration of sun-light exposure and dietary intake of vitamin D, Ca and P were obtained. At 6 and 12 months of age, 25OHD3 was significantly higher in group S than in group B (P<0.001). iPTH was significantly lower in group S than in group B at 6 months (P=0.001), but did not differ at 12 months. Regardless of vitamin D supplementation, BMD was lower in group B and S than in group A (P<0.05). Total intake of vitamin D differed among 3 groups (P<0.001, A>S>B), but total intake of Ca and P were higher in group A than in group B and S (P<0.001). In conclusion, breast-fed infants show lower vitamin D status and bone mineralization than formula-fed infants. Vitamin D supplementation (200 IU/day) in breast-fed infants increases serum 25-OH vitamin D3, but not bone mineral density.

Serum Folate and DDT Isomers and Metabolites Are Inversely Associated in Chinese Women: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background: Vitamin nutritional status may influence some xenobiotic metabolism or vice versa.Methods: This analysis examines the relationship between B-vitamin concentrations and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDT) isomers and metabolites in healthy women. Serum pp′DDT, pp′DDE, pp′DDD, op′DDT, op′DDE, and serum folate, cysteine, and vitamins B6 and B12 were measured in 296 nonsmoking female textile workers (21–34 yr) in Anhui, China. Mean (SD) age and body mass index of this cohort were 24.9 (1.5) y and 19.7 (2.0) kg/m2, respectively.Results: Median pp′DDT, pp′DDE, pp′DDD, op′DDT, and op′DDE were 1.5, 29.2, 0.22, 0.17, and 0.09 ng/g, respectively. Median folate and cysteine were 9.2 and 200.0 nmol/L, respectively. Folate was significantly inversely associated with pp′DDT and pp′DDE: β (95% confidence interval [CI]) = −0.23 (−0.39, −0.07) and −0.20 (−0.36, −0.05), respectively, and it was marginally associated with pp′DDD. Cysteine was significantly inversely associated with pp′DDT, β (95% CI) = −0.69 (−1.00, −0.37); pp′DDE, β (95% CI) = −0.32 (−0.62, −0.02); pp′DDD, β (95% CI) = −0.31 (−0.59, −0.03); and op′DDT, β (95% CI) = −0.35 (−0.68, −0.02).Conclusions: Folate and cysteine are independently inversely associated with DDT isomers, adjusting for vitamins B6 and B12, age, and body mass index. These nutrients may play a role in DDT metabolism; however, it is also possible that DDT may exert a negative impact on folate and cysteine levels. Longitudinal studies are needed to ascertain the direction of this association.

Plasma turnover of 3,4-didehydroretinol (vitamin A2) increases in vitamin A-deficient rats fed low versus high dietary fat

Relationships between increased adiposity and fat-soluble vitamin storage and metabolism are poorly understood. To examine these associations, 6% or 21% dietary fat was fed to rats for 11 weeks and tissue vitamin A storage determined. Two levels of supplemental vitamin A were administered. At the end of the tenth week, 3,4-didehydroretinol (DR) was administered orally, and its kinetics were followed for 1 week in serum and tissues. Model-based compartmental analysis was applied to these data. Kidney total retinol (R) concentrations were elevated in rats fed 6% compared with 21% dietary fat (n = 24/group). The fractional transfer coefficient (FTC) describing the movement of tracer from plasma to extravascular stores was two times higher in the 6% compared with the 21% fat group. Consistent with the elevated renal R in 6% fat fed rats, there was a 2-fold increase in the FTC representing tracer distribution from plasma to kidney in the 6% compared with 21% fat group. Taken together with a fat main effect on renal vitamin A, our data support the evidence that faster turnover of kidney R may help set the mechanism governing vitamin A tissue distribution during deficiency. Rats fed 21% versus 6% dietary fat conserved hepatic R more efficiently.

Hypovitaminosis D in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: Prevalence and Treatment

In the past decade, there has been accumulating evidence indicating that vitamin D may provide great health benefits. Indeed, it has been shown that vitamin D deficiency not only causes bone and mineral disturbances but also may increase the risk of many common chronic diseases. Since very few foods contain vitamin D, humans depend on sun exposure to satisfy their requirements for vitamin D. However, factors related to the location, climate, aging, skin pigmentation, and use of barriers to protect from the sun light contribute to limit the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the general population and even more common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Certain conditions associated with CKD such as protein losses and the decreased food intake can predispose these patients to hypovitaminosis D. The interest in the nutritional status of vitamin D of CKD patients has been renewed after the recognition that low circulating levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D, and not only of the vitamin D active form (1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D), can contribute to the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation with either ergocalciferol or cholicalciferol has been recommended to restore and maintain adequate vitamin D status in CKD.

Analysis of some water soluble vitamin nutritional status of middle age and old people in Shangqiu

Objective To investigate some water soluble vitamin nutrition status of old people in Shangqiu and explore the improving ways. Methods A dietary survey was carried out and urinary VB1, VB2 and VC were test-ed. Results The intakes of VB1 ,VB2 and VC were much lower than the recommended amounts. Conclusion The intakes of VB1 ,VB2 and VC were seriously deficient in old people and preventive measures should be taken such as intaking fresh vegitable, fruits and coarse food grain. Key words: Nutrition surveys; Vitamins; Nutritional status; Aged

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Its Relationship with the Nutritional Status of Vitamin A in Individuals with Class III Obesity

The objective of the present study was to investigate vitamin A nutritional status in individuals with class III obesity through a biochemical indicator (retinol and beta-carotene serum levels), correlating these findings with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) presence and its risk factors. The studied population was composed of 145 patients with morbid obesity [body mass index, BMI > or = 40 kg/m(2)) of both sexes. Retinol and beta-carotene serum levels were assessed by high performance liquid chromatography. The cutoff values used for serum retinol and beta-carotene inadequacy were <1.05 micromol/l and < or =40 microg/dl, respectively. Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed through homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA) method. Biochemical parameters of liver enzymes, lipid profile, and glycemia were analyzed. Anthropometric measurements were conducted. NAFLD diagnosis was performed through magnetic resonance. NAFLD prevalence in the group was 71%. An inadequacy of 11.3 and 41.7% of retinol and beta-carotene serum levels, respectively, was found when NAFLD was present. A significant correlation of serum retinol with albumin liver and total bilirubin was found. As regards beta-carotene, a positive correlation for HDL-c variable and a negative correlation for the HOMA-IR, weight, and BMI variables were observed. There was a significant association between IR presence and retinol and beta-carotene inadequacy. The high inadequacy of retinol and beta-carotene nutritional status in the sample, with a higher inadequacy in those with NAFLD, suggests an increase in the utilization of vitamin A in this group related to the fight against the oxidative stress to what they are exposed to. The significant association between retinol and beta-carotene with IR supports the hypothesis that vitamin A may have a protector effect on IR pathogenesis.