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Micronutrient Deficiencies (micronutrient + deficiency)
Selected AbstractsVitamin D status and acute lower respiratory infection in early childhood in Sylhet, BangladeshACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2010DE Roth Abstract Aim: Acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) is the most important global cause of childhood death. Micronutrient deficiencies may increase the risk of ALRI. A case,control study was conducted to assess the association between vitamin D status and ALRI in rural Bangladesh. Methods: Children aged 1,18 months hospitalized with ALRI (cases) were individually matched to controls on age, sex, and village (N = 25 pairs). The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration [25(OH)D] in cases and controls was compared using paired t -test. The unadjusted and adjusted odds of ALRI were assessed by multivariate conditional logistic regression. Results: Mean [25(OH)D] was significantly lower among ALRI cases than controls (29.1 nmol/L vs. 39.1 nmol/L; p = 0.015). The unadjusted odds of ALRI was halved for each 10 nmol/L increase in [25(OH)D] (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30,0.96). Adjustment for confounders increased the magnitude of the association. Conclusion: Vitamin D status was associated with early childhood ALRI in a matched case,control study in rural Bangladesh. Randomized trials may establish whether interventions to improve vitamin D status can reduce the burden of ALRI in early childhood. [source] Micronutrient deficiency in chronic kidney disease (Editorial)NEPHROLOGY, Issue 1 2008JOHN KELLY [source] Physical assessment of patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: an international comparisonEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 6 2003D. Kovacs Abstract Objective: A questionnaire study was carried out to determine which investigations were carried out routinely on patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Method: A specially designed questionnaire was sent to 168 clinicians working in the field of eating disorders in 25 countries. Respondents were asked to supply information about how often they carry out specific investigations on new patients with AN and BN. The questionnaire covered the use of physical examination, biochemical and haematological tests and cardiac investigations. Results: 71,(42.3,per cent) questionnaires were returned. Biochemical investigations and full blood counts were carried out frequently. Significant differences were found between AN patients and BN patients in the measurement of calcium, phosphate and magnesium levels. In some cases, patients with BN were not routinely assessed for hypokalaemia. Micronutrient levels were measured rarely and only 40,per cent of respondents carried out routine electrocardiograms (ECGs) in AN. Discussion: Measurement of serum potassium should be routine in BN and other electrolytes should probably measured more often in both disorders. Detection of treatable micronutrient deficiencies should be given more emphasis and the ECG should become a routine investigation in AN. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] Production and Shelf Stability of Multiple-Fortified Quick-Cooking Rice As a Complementary FoodJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 7 2008S. Porasuphatana ABSTRACT:, Rice-based complementary foods normally contain inadequate amounts of several micronutrients, such as iron, calcium, and zinc. This study aimed at improving the quality of commercially produced rice-based complementary foods. The analysis centered on identifying a rice-based complementary food that is safe, stable, sensory acceptable, and economical in terms of fortificants (iron, calcium, zinc, thiamine, folate) and effectively packaged for industrial production and distribution. Product colors were mostly in green-yellow tone and slightly changed to more yellow during storage. Sensory acceptability was affected by changes in odor and rancidity but not in color. Rancidity scores were low in aluminum foil laminated plastic bags (ALU). Lipid oxidation significantly increased during storage, but at a slower rate when sodium citrate and ALU were used. Color differences of raw products were detected but not in the cooked ones. Mineral and vitamin losses during processing were 2% to 11% and 20% to 30%, respectively, but no losses were found during storage. FeSO4+ NaFeEDTA added with sodium citrate resulted in the most acceptable product for all packagings. The multiple-fortified quick-cooking rice (MFQCR) developed from this study could be a potentially useful tool for combating micronutrient deficiencies among infants and young children in the countries where rice is the staple food. [source] Agitation and weight loss in an autistic boyJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 3 2007Rachel Conyers Abstract: An 11 year old boy with autism presented with a 2-month history of agitated behaviour with associated weight loss. On examination he was wasted and distressed. He had severe hypoalbuminaemia. Gastrointestinal imaging revealed a gastric bezoar. At operation a large phytobezoar extending into the jejunum was identified and removed. Postoperatively he required intensive nutritional resuscitation and support, including treatment of multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Malnutrition is common in children with developmental disabilities, with a number of possible contributing factors. Gastric bezoar is a rare cause, which should be considered in mobile children who may engage in pica. [source] New approaches to parenteral nutrition in infants and childrenJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 5 2002RG Heine Abstract: Parenteral nutrition (PN) has become a mainstay in the treatment of children with intestinal failure or conditions that preclude enteral feeding. Estimated energy and protein requirements can usually be met, unless the patient is fluid volume restricted or glucose intolerant. Although PN is generally well tolerated, in some patients it is still associated with a significant morbidity. Complications include metabolic disturbances, venous access device infection or dysfunction, venous thrombosis and cholestatic liver disease. Patients need to be carefully monitored for evidence of micronutrient deficiencies or excesses. There is a close relationship between line sepsis and thrombosis. Strict aseptic technique is the key to preventing line infections. Recurrent sepsis and thrombosis may eventually lead to loss of venous access and may jeopardize the long-term delivery of PN. Chronic cholestatic liver disease is common in premature infants with gastrointestinal problems, recurrent sepsis and lack of enteral feeding. The aetiology is multifactorial. Early enteral feeding is the most effective strategy in preventing PN-associated liver disease. New specialized nutrient solutions and lipid emulsions promise improved clinical outcomes. However, long-term clinical data are not yet available in children. In recent years, nutrition support teams have improved clinical and economic outcomes by encouraging the appropriate use and monitoring of PN therapy. In patients with intestinal failure, parent-administered home PN has become an alternative to long-term hospitalization. Apart from a positive effect on the quality of life of patient and family, home PN is cost-effective and reduces the risk of nosocomial infections and catheter-related complications. [source] Nutrition and HIV/AIDS in infants and children in South Africa: implications for food-based dietary guidelinesMATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION, Issue 4 2007Michael K. Hendricks Abstract The implications for food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) that are being developed in South Africa are reviewed in relation to HIV-exposed and -infected children. The nutritional consequences of HIV infection and nutritional requirements along with programmes and guidelines to address undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency in these children are also investigated. Based on studies for HIV-infected children in South Africa, more than 50% are underweight and stunted, while more than 60% have multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Nutritional problems in these children are currently addressed through the Prevention-of-Mother-to-Child Transmission Programme (PMTCT), the Integrated Nutrition Programme and Guidelines for the Management of HIV-infected Children which include antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in South Africa. Evaluations relating to the implementation of these programmes and guidelines have not been conducted nationally, although certain studies show that coverage of the PMTCT and the ARV therapy programmes was low. FBDGs for infants and young children could complement and strengthen the implementation of these programmes and guidelines. However, FBDGs must be in line with national and international guidelines and address key nutritional issues in these infants and young children. These issues and various recommendations are discussed in detail in this review. [source] Major nutritional issues in the management of Parkinson's disease,MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 13 2009Michela Barichella MD Abstract As with other neurodegenerative diseases, neurologic and nutritional elements may interact affecting each other in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the long-term effects of such interactions on prognosis and outcome have not been given much attention and are poorly addressed by current research. Factors contributing to the clinical conditions of patients with PD are not only the basic features of PD, progression of disease, and the therapeutic approach but also fiber and nutrient intakes (in terms of both energy and protein content), fluid and micronutrient balance, and pharmaconutrient interactions (protein and levodopa). During the course of PD nutritional requirements frequently change. Accordingly, both body weight gain and loss may occur and, despite controversy, it seems that both changes in energy expenditure and food intake contribute. Nonmotor symptoms play a significant role and dysphagia may be responsible for the impairment of nutritional status and fluid balance. Constipation, gastroparesis, and gastro-oesophageal reflux significantly affect quality of life. Finally, any micronutrient deficiencies should be taken into account. Nutritional assessments should be performed routinely. Optimization of pharmacologic treatment for both motor and nonmotor symptoms is essential, but nutritional interventions and counseling could and should also be planned with regard to nutritional balance designed to prevent weight loss or gain; optimization of levodopa pharmacokinetics and avoidance of interaction with proteins; improvement in gastrointestinal dysfunction (e.g., dysphagia and constipation); prevention and treatment of nutritional deficiencies (micronutrients or vitamins). A balanced Mediterranean-like dietary regimen should be recommended before the introduction of levodopa; afterward, patients with advanced disease may benefit considerably from protein redistribution and low-protein regimens. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society [source] Micronutrients and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the Context of HIV InfectionNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 7 2004Dr.P.H., Wafaie Fawzi M.B. HIV infection is a global public health problem, particularly in Africa. Concurrently, micronutrient deficiencies and adverse pregnancy outcomes are prevalent in the same settings. Supplements containing B complex and vitamins C and E were efficacious in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes, including fetal loss, low birth weight, and prematurity among HIV-infected women; the generalizability of this finding to uninfected women is being examined. There is little encouragement from published studies to provide prenatal vitamin A supplements in HIV infection, particularly in light of significantly higher risk of mother-to-child transmission observed in one trial. The efficacy and safety of prenatal zinc and selenium supplements on these outcomes need to be examined in randomized trials. [source] Genetically Engineered Crops: Their Potential Use for Improvement of Human NutritionNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 5 2002Lin Yan Ph.D. Great success has been achieved in increasing agriculture productivity to fulfill human needs during the second half of the 20th century. However, there will be much greater challenges in the future. Based on the current population growth rate of 1.4% per year, the world's population is forecast to increase from the current level of approximately six billion to nine to twelve billion in 50 years. In addition to continuously increasing demand for agricultural production, there is an urgent need to improve the nutritional quality of human diets for this rapidly growing human population. Malnutrition is still a worldwide health issue. Macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in developing countries, and over-consumption of certain nutrients in developed countries (e.g., saturated fatty acids) is associated with high incidence of certain chronic diseases. Furthermore, there will be declining natural resources such as arable land and water, and the challenges to humans must be met without further degrading the environment. Biotechnology offers a valuable tool to help achieve these goals. This review focuses on the most recent advances in biotechnology, which promise to improve human nutrition by enhancing the nutrient density of plant foods. Issues relating to the safety of food products from genetically engineered crops are also discussed. [source] Micronutrients and Child Health: Studies in International Nutrition and HIV InfectionNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 11 2001Christopher Duggan M.D., M.P.H. Increasing data link micronutrient deficiencies to excess childhood morbidity and mortality, and similar relationships have been noted in the study of nutrition and HIV infection. We review epidemiologic studies that have examined the relationship between micronutrient deficiencies and health outcomes in childhood and HIV infection, as well as clinical trials of micronutrient supplementation. Vitamin A supplementation among communities at risk of deficiency effectively reduces mortality and morbidity in children younger than age 5, and vitamin A may be especially effective in HIV-infected children. Vertical transmission of HIV has not to date been affected by maternal micronutrient supplementation. In children with poor dietary zinc intake and/or bioavailability, zinc supplementation reduces the incidence and severity of diarrheal diseases, as well as the occurrence of pneumonia. Vitamin A therapy has not been associated with improved growth, whereas some trials have shown that zinc supplementation is associated with greater increments in height. Further trials of micronutrient supplementation are warranted. [source] Chronic radiation exposure in the Rivne-Polissia region of Ukraine: Implications for birth defectsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Kelsey Needham Dancause Objectives: The health effects of chronic low-dose radiation exposure remains a controversial question. Monitoring after the Chernobyl nuclear accident in Ukraine suggested that chronic low-dose radiation exposure was not linked to cancer mortality among the general population. However, elevated rates of birth defects in contaminated compared to uncontaminated regions suggest that exposure to radiation in utero might impact development and that chronic radiation exposure might represent an underestimated risk to human health. Methods: We sought to determine current radiation exposure routes in Rivne-Polissia, a region of Ukraine contaminated by the Chernobyl accident. This represents a first step toward comprehensive studies of the effects of chronic radiation exposure on human health. We designed and administered a dietary and activity survey to 344 women in Polissia. We assessed types and sources of food consumed, types of outdoor activities, and alcohol intake. Results: Alcohol intake was low and alone does not account for the observed high rates of birth defects. Wild foods, especially mushrooms and berries, and locally produced foods, especially milk related, were major radiation exposure routes. Additionally, women were exposed to radiation through inhalation while burning grasses and potato vines in fields, and wood for cooking and heating. Conclusions: Twenty four years after the Chernobyl accident, women continue to be chronically exposed to low-dose radiation at levels exceeding current recommendations. This might contribute (especially synergistically with alcohol consumption and micronutrient deficiencies) to higher prevalence of birth defects in areas of Ukraine with high levels of radiation contamination compared to uncontaminated areas. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 22:667,674, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] After bariatric surgery, what vitamins should be measured and what supplements should be given?CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Dimitrios J. Pournaras Summary Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. Although calorie malabsorption does not occur in most bariatric procedures, micronutrient deficiencies are possible. Multivitamin supplementation is essential following bariatric surgery. The recommendation would be to screen for multivitamin deficiencies prior to surgery and to monitor vitamin levels postoperatively at regular intervals. In this paper, we review the data for screening and supplementation after bariatric procedures for different vitamins. [source] Cytokines and Cognition,The Case for A Head-to-Toe Inflammatory ParadigmJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 12 2002Craig J. Wilson MBBS The brain is not only immunologically active of its own accord, but also has complex peripheral immune interactions. Given the central role of cytokines in neuroimmmunoendocrine processes, it is hypothesized that these molecules influence cognition via diverse mechanisms. Peripheral cytokines penetrate the blood-brain barrier directly via active transport mechanisms or indirectly via vagal nerve stimulation. Peripheral administration of certain cytokines as biological response modifiers produces adverse cognitive effects in animals and humans. There is abundant evidence that inflammatory mechanisms within the central nervous system (CNS) contribute to cognitive impairment via cytokine-mediated interactions between neurons and glial cells. Cytokines mediate cellular mechanisms subserving cognition (e.g., cholinergic and dopaminergic pathways) and can modulate neuronal and glial cell function to facilitate neuronal regeneration or neurodegeneration. As such, there is a growing appreciation of the role of cytokine-mediated inflammatory processes in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Consistent with their involvement as mediators of bidirectional communication between the CNS and the peripheral immune system, cytokines play a key role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation seen in stress and depression. In addition, complex cognitive systems such as those that underlie religious beliefs, can modulate the effects of stress on the immune system. Indirect means by which peripheral or central cytokine dysregulation could affect cognition include impaired sleep regulation, micronutrient deficiency induced by appetite suppression, and an array of endocrine interactions. Given the multiple levels at which cytokines are capable of influencing cognition it is plausible that peripheral cytokine dysregulation with advancing age interacts with cognitive aging. [source] Nutrition and HIV/AIDS in infants and children in South Africa: implications for food-based dietary guidelinesMATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION, Issue 4 2007Michael K. Hendricks Abstract The implications for food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) that are being developed in South Africa are reviewed in relation to HIV-exposed and -infected children. The nutritional consequences of HIV infection and nutritional requirements along with programmes and guidelines to address undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency in these children are also investigated. Based on studies for HIV-infected children in South Africa, more than 50% are underweight and stunted, while more than 60% have multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Nutritional problems in these children are currently addressed through the Prevention-of-Mother-to-Child Transmission Programme (PMTCT), the Integrated Nutrition Programme and Guidelines for the Management of HIV-infected Children which include antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in South Africa. Evaluations relating to the implementation of these programmes and guidelines have not been conducted nationally, although certain studies show that coverage of the PMTCT and the ARV therapy programmes was low. FBDGs for infants and young children could complement and strengthen the implementation of these programmes and guidelines. However, FBDGs must be in line with national and international guidelines and address key nutritional issues in these infants and young children. These issues and various recommendations are discussed in detail in this review. [source] The Assessment of Cognitive Performance in Children: Considerations for Detecting Nutritional InfluencesNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 12 2003Donna Hughes MPsychClin The accurate assessment of cognitive performance in children is critical for detecting the effects of micronutrient deficiency or supplementation on the developing brain and its functions. Relatively little attention has been paid to the selection of culturally appropriate measures that are sensitive enough to detect the subtle cognitive changes that could be expected following nutritional intervention. Normal brain development and the emergence of cognitive abilities throughout infancy and childhood is discussed in this paper, followed by a description of the more pertinent and sensitive neuropsychological tests that can be used to assess cognitive performance and investigate the effects of micronutrient deficiency and supplementation on cognitive development among children in a variety of cultures. [source] Maternal diets, nutritional status, and zinc in contemporary Mexican infants' teeth: Implications for reconstructing paleodietsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Alexis E. Dolphin Abstract Despite attempts to use zinc (Zn) concentrations in hard tissues to comment upon the degree of carnivory in past populations, zinc has yielded inconsistent trophic level effects. The question of what, if anything, zinc in human enamel reveals regarding past diets is the focus of this research. We test whether the zinc content of deciduous tooth enamel from contemporary Mexican infants varies by maternal dietary variables such as zinc intake, proportion of animal products consumed, and dietary components that are known to impact zinc absorption. Deciduous teeth were collected from former participants in a longitudinal study of maternal and infant diet and function in highland Mexico. The Zn/Ca ratios of both prenatal and postnatal regions of 37 anterior teeth representing 26 individuals were assessed via laser ablation,inductively coupled plasma,mass spectrometry. Maternal dietary data collected during lactation were not correlated with zinc levels in the early postnatal enamel of infants' teeth, which were forming at the same time. In the case of prenatal enamel, zinc values were correlated with the consumption of foods known to influence Zn bioavailability, most notably tortillas (P = 0.008; r = 0.510), but not with meat consumption. Unexpectedly, women who consumed diets with poor zinc bioavailability during pregnancy gave birth to infants whose prenatal enamel demonstrated the highest Zn/Ca ratios, possibly due to enhanced zinc absorption during pregnancy for those mothers suffering most from long-term micronutrient deficiency. These results would suggest that zinc is not a reliable trophic level indicator. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||