Effects of prebiotic supplementation on the expression of proteins regulating iron absorption in anaemic growing rats.

Prebiotics may increase intestinal Fe absorption in anaemic growing rats. The present study evaluated the effects of high-performance (HP) inulin and oligofructose on factors that regulate Fe absorption in anaemic rats during the growth phase. Male Wistar rats aged 21 d of age were fed AIN-93G ration without Fe for 2 weeks to induce Fe-deficiency anaemia. The rats were fed on day 35 a control diet, or a diet with 10 % HP inulin, or a diet with 10 % oligofructose, without Fe supplementation. The animals were euthanised after 2 weeks, and segments of the duodenum, caecum, colon and liver were removed. The expression levels of proteins in the intestinal segments were assessed using Western blotting. The levels of serum, urine and liver hepcidin and the concentrations of IL-10, IL-6 and TNF-α in the caecum, colon and liver were measured using the ELISA test. HP inulin increased the expression of the divalent metal transporter 1 protein in the caecum by 162 % (P= 0·04), and the expression of duodenal cytochrome b reductase in the colon by 136 % (P= 0·02). Oligofructose decreased the expression of the protein ferroportin in the duodenum (P= 0·02), the concentrations of IL-10 (P= 0·044), IL-6 (P= 0·036) and TNF-α (P= 0·004) in the caecum, as well as the level of urinary hepcidin (P< 0·001). These results indicate that prebiotics may interfere with the expression of various intestinal proteins and systemic factors involved in the regulation of intestinal Fe absorption in anaemic rats during the growth phase.

High-performance inulin and oligofructose prebiotics increase the intestinal absorption of iron in rats with iron deficiency anaemia during the growth phase.

Considering the high frequency of anaemia due to Fe deficiency, it is important to evaluate the effects of prebiotics on the absorption of Fe. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of high-performance (HP) inulin, oligofructose and synergy1 during recovery from anaemia in rats through the intestinal absorption of Fe, food intake, body growth, caecal pH and weight of the intestine. Wistar rats (n 47) were fed with rations of AIN93-G with no Fe to induce Fe deficiency anaemia. At 36 d of life, anaemic rats were divided into four groups: (1) the HP inulin group; (2) the synergy1 group; and (3) the oligofructose group, all with 100 g of the respective prebiotic per kg of ration; and (4) a control group, in which the prebiotic was replaced by maize starch. Then, 25 mg of elemental Fe/kg of ration was added to all rations to allow recovery from anaemia. The final values of Hb in the HP inulin, synergy1, oligofructose and control groups were, respectively: 98 (94-99); 83 (81-92); 100 (90-114); 77 (72-81) g/l, with a statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0·001) between the oligofructose and control groups and the HP inulin and control groups. The four groups had an increase in weight and body length and had similar consumption of rations. The intestinal weight and caecal pH were significantly different between the groups that consumed prebiotics and the control group. HP inulin and oligofructose increased the intestinal absorption of Fe in rats.

Use of iron-fortified rice reduces anemia in infants.

Food fortification is advocated to tackle iron deficiency in anemic populations. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of iron-fortified rice (Ultrarice(®)) weekly on hemoglobin and anemia levels compared with standard rice (control). This cluster-randomized study deals with infants (10-23 months) from two public child day care centers in Brazil, n = 216, in an 18 week intervention. The intervention group received individual portions of fortified rice (50 g) provided 56.4 mg elemental/Fe. For intervention center: baseline mean hemoglobin was 11.44 ± 1.07 g/dl, and after intervention 11.67 ± 0.96 g/dl, p < 0.029; for control: baseline mean hemoglobin value was 11.35 ± 4.01 g/dl, and after intervention 11.36 ± 2.10 g/dl, p = 0.986. Anemia prevalence for intervention center was 31.25% at baseline, and 18.75% at end of study, p = 0.045; for control 43.50% were anemic at baseline, and 37.1% at the end of study, p = 0.22. Number Needed to Treat was 7. Iron-fortified rice was effective in increasing hemoglobin levels and reducing anemia in infants.

Milk-based cornstarch porridge fortified with iron is effective in reducing anemia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

This study evaluates the impact of a milk-based cornstarch porridge fortified with iron, in 4-year olds, compared with control on hemoglobin levels and anemia prevalence. This trial was a cluster-randomized, double-blind one, and used milk-based cornstarch porridge fortified with 10 mg elemental iron (FeSO(4)), daily, during 14 weeks, compared with control. The study population comprised 4-year-old preschoolers (n = 131). Mean hemoglobin values at baseline were found to be 10.6 ± 0.61 g dl(-1) for intervention group, and after intervention 11.5 ± 0.80 g/dl, p < 0.0001. For control, mean hemoglobin values at baseline were 10.9 ± 0.53 g/dl, and after intervention 11.2 ± 0.73, p < 0.0001. The increase in mean hemoglobin was much greater in the intervention than in the control group, 0.86-0.26 g dl(-1), respectively (p < 0.0001). Anemia prevalence reduced from 75% to 20%, p < 0.0001, in the intervention group, with no reduction in the control group. Number needed for treatment was four. This study showed that milk-based cornstarch porridge fortified with ferrous sulfate increased hemoglobin levels and reduced anemia prevalence in 4-year-old preschoolers.

Weekly iron supplementation for the prevention of anemia in pre-school children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyses the impact of weekly iron supplementation with ferrous sulphate heptahydrate (FeSO4) in 5-year-olds compared with placebo, on hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) values and anemia. DESIGN: The study concerns a cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind trial. Intervention participants received 50 mg elemental iron for 14 weeks. SETTING: The study population comprised pre-school children (n = 135) from one randomly chosen public school in the northeast of Brazil. SUBJECTS: Participants were 5-year-old students from a public school. RESULTS: Mean Hb and Ht values increased after iron supplementation, with p < 0.0001. There was no statistically significant increase in the placebo group. After intervention, anemia prevalence reduced only in the intervention group, from 48.0% to 26.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Weekly iron supplementation was effective in reducing anemia in 5-year-olds.

Randomized controlled trial of iron-fortified drinking water in preschool children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of fortified drinking water, with different concentrations of iron added, on hemoglobin and hematocrit values in preschoolers. METHODS: Double-blind, randomized cluster clinical trial, with children aged 2 to 5 years of age, from 4 state-run schools, forming 1 group for each school. For fortification, ferrous sulphate in concentrations of 5 mg of elemental iron per liter of water (group A), 7.5 mg (group B), and 10 mg (group C), was used during a period of 4 months. In group D, the control, a placebo (Bixa orellana) was added. Hemoglobin and hematocrit values were checked before and after intervention. RESULTS: Before fortification, hemoglobin and hematocrit averages were below the reference values adopted in all groups. After fortification, the prevalence of anemia showed a reduction in the 4 groups, which was more pronounced in group B, at 48.3%. The hemoglobin values in groups B (11.5) and C (11.4) were statistically similar. However, the average consumption of water/day/student was lower in group C. Comparison of hemoglobin values between groups A (11.2) and D (11.0) did not show a significant difference, suggesting insignificant efficacy with 5 mg Fe/L fortification. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of drinking water fortified with 7.5 mg of elemental iron/L water resulted in greater adhesion and an increase in hemoglobin values, with a reduction in the prevalence of anemia.

Effect of dietary fibre mixture on growth and intestinal iron absorption in rats recovering from iron-deficiency anaemia.

There is concern regarding the possible negative effects of ingestion of dietary fibre on growth and intestinal Fe absorption in infants. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of a fibre mixture on the growth and the intestinal absorption of Fe in rats with Fe-deficiency anaemia with that of a diet without fibres. Faecal weight and caecal pH were also evaluated. According to the Hb depletion-repletion model, twenty-two male weaned Wistar rats were fed the AIN93-G diet without Fe until Fe-deficiency anaemia was induced with Hb < 70 g/l. The anaemic rats were divided into two groups: (1) fibre mixture group--fed 100 g of fibre mixture/kg of diet (soya polysaccharide, inulin, resistant starch, Arabic gum, fructo-oligossaccharide and cellulose) (n 11); (2) control group--fed without fibres (n 11). All diets had 157 mg of ferric citrate (30 mg of elemental Fe) added to lead to recovery from anaemia. Fe intestinal absorption was measured by Hb repletion efficiency (HRE) and apparent Fe intestinal absorption. The HRE was 44.8 (SD 9.5) % in the fibre mixture group and 43.0 (SD 9.5) % in the control group (P = 0.664). The apparent Fe absorption was 46.2 (SD 16.5) and 47.2 (SD 10.2) % (P = 0.861) in the fibre mixture and control groups, respectively. The faecal weight median was 6.17 g in the fibre mixture group and 2.11 g in the control group (P < 0.001). The caecal pH was in the same order: 6.11 (SD 0.59) and 7.07 (SD 0.34) (P < 0.001). Both the groups consumed similar quantities of diet, and growth was similar in both the groups. The fibre mixture had no influence either on growth or on Fe intestinal absorption in rats recovering from anaemia. This mixture favoured an increase in faecal weight and a decrease in caecal pH.

Analysis of the stimulated whole saliva in overweight and obese school children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if some stimulated whole saliva parameters are influenced by an increase of Body Mass Index. METHODS: Controlled cross-sectional study involving 90 school children of both genders between 7 and 10 years of age, from Bragança Paulista - SP. Three groups were formed: overweight, obese and control. Body Mass Index and diet intake by the Food Register method were evaluated. The salivary pH, flow rate, buffer capacity, protein, phosphate, calcium, fluoride, total and free sialic acid, and peroxidase activity were determined. RESULTS: The overweight and obese groups showed greater energy and lipid intake (P< 0.001) than the control group. There was no difference in the saliva flow rate between groups, however only the control group showed a mean value considered normal. In the overweight and obese groups a decrease in both the concentration of phosphate (P< 0.001) and peroxidase activity (P<0.001) was observed. In the obese group an increase in the concentrations of free sialic acid (P= 0.004) and protein (P= 0.003) occurred. CONCLUSION: Overweight and obese children show alterations in the concentrations of phosphate, free sialic acid and proteins, and in the peroxidase activity that are favorable conditions for dental caries.

Accuracy of a portable breath meter test for the detection of halitosis in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of the Breath-Alert™ portable breath meter (BA) for the detection of halitosis in children and adolescents, considering the organoleptic test (OT) as the gold standard in this assessment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 children (aged 6-12 years). OT was performed by three independent examiners on a single occasion, obtaining three scores of 0-5 points on the Rosenberg's organoleptic scale. The median of the three evaluations for each child was used for analysis. BA was used according to the manufacturer's instructions, with breath odor scored from 0-5 points. Scores ≥2 on both tests were considered indicative of halitosis. RESULTS: A total of 26 (17.3%) and 23 (15.3%) children were detected with halitosis on the OT and BA tests, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the BA scores for the detection of halitosis were 80.76% and 98.38%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values for BA were 91.3% and 96.06%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the present study involving children, who require fast, practical examinations, BA proved to be an auxiliary tool to OT for the detection of halitosis in the practice of pediatric dentistry, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity.

Halitosis: prevalence and association with oral etiological factors in children and adolescents.

Halitosis is a condition that can have negative social impacts. Although common, its prevalence and associated etiological factors have been studied little in the child/adolescent population. The aim of the present study was to associate the occurrence of halitosis with oral etiological factors in children aged 6-12 years. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 male and female children and adolescents. The organoleptic test (OT) was used to determine halitosis. All patients and caregivers answered a questionnaire addressing personal data, general health and oral health, including hygiene habits, and received clarifications regarding the procedures to which the children/adolescents would be submitted in a second session. During the second session, the children were clinically evaluated for halitosis using the OT. The bacterial plaque index, coated tongue index, pH, salivary flow and the presence of dental caries were also determined. Differences in the proportions of the factors were compared between groups (with and without halitosis) using the chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. Halitosis was diagnosed in 17.3% of the children and was associated with a fair score on the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OR: 3.5; p = 0.008), the non-daily use of tooth floss (OR: 8.7; p = 0.017), percentage of coated tongue (p = 0.005), abnormal salivary flow (OR: 4.2; p < 0.001) and dental caries (OR: 3.8; p = 0.002). No associations with brushing performed by a caregiver or salivary pH were found.

[Anemia and nutritional status of children in day-care centers in Guaxupé]. / Anemia ferropriva e estado nutricional de crianças de creches de Guaxupé.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutritional status and the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in children attending public day care centers in the city of Guaxupé (MG), Brazil. METHODS: Children of both genders, from 6 to 72 months, registered in public day-care centers in the city of Guaxupé, were studied. Nutritional evaluation was conducted using the Z-score for height-to-age and weight-to-height relationships. Hemoglobin dosage, serum iron, total iron binding capacity and the transferrin saturation index were used for diagnosis of anemia. RESULTS: Z score < - 2 was observed in 3.3% of the children for the height-to-age relationship and of 0.4% for the weight-to-height relationship. Prevalence of total iron deficiency anemia was of 16.1%. In the age span from 6 to 36 months it was of 44.6%. The entire sample showed 45% with low serum iron, 37.9% with high total iron binding capacity and 43.1% with a low transferrin saturation index. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition was not considered to be a problem due to its low prevalence; however, an important prevalence of iron deficiency was observed. Iron deficiency anemia is more prevalent in children between 6 and 36 months confirming that this age span is more vulnerable. No association between iron deficiency anemia and the Z score of the studied anthropometry relationships was found.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum increases intestinal absorption of iron in growing rats with iron deficiency anemia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) dietary fiber towards intestinal iron absorption, for dietary intake and on the growth of rats with iron deficiency anemia in comparison to those fed on a diet with cellulose and without dietary fiber. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n=24) weaned at 21 days were fed with AIN93-G diet without iron for 2 weeks in order to induce iron deficiency anemia. At 36 days old, the anemic rats were divided into three groups: (1) PHGG group-100g of PHGG per kg of diet; (2) Cellulose group-100g of cellulose per kg of diet; (3) Control group-diet without dietary fiber. All the diets had 25mg of elemental iron/kg of diet added to lead to recovery from iron deficiency anemia. RESULTS: The final hemoglobin values in g/dl, for the PHGG group, the cellulose group and the control group were, respectively: 11.3+/-1.2, 8.6+/-0.7 and 8.1+/-0.9 (P<0.001). The levels of hepatic iron, in mug/g of dry tissue, in the same order, were: 322.2+/-66.6, 217.2+/-59.1 and 203.7+/-42.4 (P<0.001). Apparent iron intestinal absorption was, respectively: 67.5+/-8.9%, 35.4+/-15.3% and 31.3+/-24.9% (P<0.001). The three groups consumed similar quantities of diet. The changes in weight and in body length were similar in the three groups studied. CONCLUSION: PHGG led to greater intestinal absorption of iron, regeneration of hemoglobin and hepatic levels of iron than diet with cellulose and diet control.

Effects of programmed physical activity on body composition in post-pubertal schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE: To assess body composition modifications in post-pubertal schoolchildren after practice of a physical activity program during one school year. METHODS: The sample consisted of 386 students aged between 15 and 17 years and divided into two groups: the study group (SG) comprised 195 students and the control group (CG), 191. The SG was submitted to a physical activity program and the CG attended conventional physical education classes. Body composition was assessed using body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (%BF), fat mass (FM), and lean mass (LM). RESULTS: A positive effect of the physical activity program on body composition in the SG (p<0.001) was observed, as well as on the interaction time x group in all the variables analyzed in both genders. A reduction in %BF (mean of differences = -5.58%) and waist circumference (-2.33 cm), as well as an increase in LM (+2.05 kg) were observed in the SG for both genders, whereas the opposite was observed in the CG. CONCLUSION: The practice of programmed physical activity promotes significant reduction of body fat in post-pubertal schoolchildren.

Accuracy of a portable breath meter test for the detection of halitosis in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of the Breath-Alert™ portable breath meter (BA) for the detection of halitosis in children and adolescents, considering the organoleptic test (OT) as the gold standard in this assessment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 children (aged 6-12 years). OT was performed by three independent examiners on a single occasion, obtaining three scores of 0-5 points on the Rosenberg's organoleptic scale. The median of the three evaluations for each child was used for analysis. BA was used according to the manufacturer's instructions, with breath odor scored from 0-5 points. Scores ≥2 on both tests were considered indicative of halitosis. RESULTS: A total of 26 (17.3%) and 23 (15.3%) children were detected with halitosis on the OT and BA tests, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the BA scores for the detection of halitosis were 80.76% and 98.38%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values for BA were 91.3% and 96.06%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the present study involving children, who require fast, practical examinations, BA proved to be an auxiliary tool to OT for the detection of halitosis in the practice of pediatric dentistry, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity.

Weight loss diets advertised in non-scientific publications.

Weight-loss diets advertised in mainstream non-scientific publications and targeting the adult female public were evaluated in relation to total energy value, macronutrients, calcium, iron, vitamins A and E, and cholesterol content, as well as the presence of information regarding the duration of diets, fluid intake, physical activity, and maintenance diets. Two publications were selected, considering periodicity, circulation, readership, and years in publication. The Virtual Nutri software was used to evaluate the nutrients of 112 diets. Micronutrient content was compared to the Dietary Reference Intakes. All diets were inadequate in at least one of the evaluated items. Less than 25.0% of the diets presented adequate macronutrient distribution. Calcium, iron, and vitamin E were also predominantly inadequate (85.7, 97.3, and 91.9%, respectively). Non-scientific publications should not be allowed to advertise weight-loss diets. In addition, their chemical composition is inadequate and they are not accompanied by important instructions for such therapy.

Growth and energy and protein intake of preterm newborns in the first year of gestation-corrected age.

CONTEXT: There are few longitudinal studies that analyze the growth and nutritional status parameters of children born prematurely. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the growth and dietary intake of preterm newborns in the first year of gestation-corrected age. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: 19 children (7 male) who were born prematurely, with birth weight between 1000 g and 2000 g, which was adequate for the gestational age. PROCEDURES: At 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of gestation-corrected age, children were evaluated in relation to weight, height and cephalic perimeter, using the National Center for Health Statistics as the standard reference, and the Rozalez-Lopez and Frisancho standards for brachial perimeter and triceps and subscapular skinfolds. The calculated dietary intake was compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowances. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The Z score was calculated for the weight/age, height/age and weight/height relationships, and the percentiles of the perimeters and skinfolds were considered. Dietary intake records were made using the 24-hour Dietary Recall and the Food Frequency Intake Questionnaire methods. The Virtual Nutri software was used to calculate energy and protein intake. RESULTS: The weight/age, height/age and weight/height relationships and the brachial perimeter and triceps skinfold were statistically greater in the first semester in relation to the second. The cephalic perimeter remained above the 50th percentile for the ages studied and there was no difference in the subscapular skinfold between the first and second semesters, remaining below the 50th percentile. The calorie and protein intake, although statistically lower in the first than in the second semester, always remained above the recommended. CONCLUSIONS: The pace of growth is greater in the first semester than in the second, not reaching the standard expected for full-term newborns, with the exception of the cephalic perimeter, which remains adequate. Calorie/protein intake shows an inverse relationship with growth speed, remaining above the recommended for full-term newborns, although with difficulty in depositing subcutaneous fat, in spite of the high caloric intake.

[Dietetic and anthropometric assessment in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis patients]. / Avaliações dietética e antropométrica em pacientes com artrite reumatóide juvenil.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the dietary intake and the anthropometry of children and adolescents with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis - JRA, considering the pauciarticular and the polyarticular types. METHODS: Evaluation of the dietary intake of calories and macronutrients by the Food Register method compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowances - RDA, and the anthropometric evaluation by the z score of the height-for-age relationship and body mass index. RESULTS: The pauciarticular or polyarticular type did not determine any difference in calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids intake, being the total caloric value, in both groups, bellow recommendations. Low-stature was observed in patients of the 2 groups, while leanness and obesity status were found in patients of the polyarticular group. CONCLUSIONS: JRA patients, particularly of the polyarticular group, can present compromised nutritional status and growth, probably owing to an inadequate dietary intake and increased need of calories and specific nutrients, which occur during the periods of the disease's activity.

[Body mass index, pubertal development and their relationship with menarche]. / Indice de massa corporal, desenvolvimento puberal e sua relação com a menarca.

OBJECTIVE: Age of menarche, nutritional status and the pubertal development were studied in a sample of low economic level adolescents. METHODS: Retrospective study, collecting data from the register charts of 229 adolescents between 10 and 18.8 years of age, attended at primary level of public institution. Were collected: chronological age, age of menarche, body weight and height (from which the body mass index was calculated), and Tanner's pubertal stage for breast development. Register charts of adolescents with pathological conditions compromising the occurrence of menarche were not taken into consideration. Two groups were formed, with and without the occurrence of menarche. RESULTS: The mean chronological age (p<0.001) and the body mass index (p<0.001) were greater in the group with menarche. The occurrence of menarche was at 12.1 +/- 1.1 years. There was significant difference between groups in relation to breast development, being the n of the group with menarche greater in M4 + M5 stages (p<0.001), and the group without menarche greater in M1 (p<0.001) and M2 (p<0.001) stages. An overweight (p<0.001) and obesity (p<0.001) relationship with the group with menarche was observed, and a relationship of undernutrition (p<0.001) and eutrophy (p<0.001) with the groups without menarche. CONCLUSIONS: An attentive follow-up of weight and height of adolescents before menarche, before the menarche period, in relatively precocious pubertal stages, is necessary to allow attitudes to prevent and control disorders such as obesity.

Molecular analysis and association with clinical and laboratory manifestations in children with sickle cell anemia.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the frequency of ß(S)-globin haplotypes and alpha-thalassemia, and their influence on clinical manifestations and the hematological profile of children with sickle cell anemia. METHOD: The frequency of ß(S)-globin haplotypes and alpha-thalassemia and any association with clinical and laboratorial manifestations were determined in 117 sickle cell anemia children aged 3-71 months. The confirmation of hemoglobin SS and determination of the haplotypes were achieved by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, and alpha-thalassemia genotyping was by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (single-tube multiplex-polymerase chain reaction). RESULTS: The genotype distribution of haplotypes was 43 (36.7%) Central African Republic/Benin, 41 (35.0%) Central African Republic/Central African Republic, 20 (17.0%) Rare/atypical, and 13 (11.1%) Benin/Benin. The frequency of the α3.7 deletion was 1.71% as homozygous (-α3.7/-α3.7) and 11.9% as heterozygous (-α3.7/αα). The only significant association in respect to haplotypes was related to the mean corpuscular volume. The presence of alpha-thalassemia was significantly associated to decreases in mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and reticulocyte count and to an increase in the red blood cell count. There were no significant associations of ß(S)-globin haplotypes and alpha-thalassemia with clinical manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: In the study population, the frequency of alpha-thalassemia was similar to published data in Brazil with the Central African Republic haplotype being the most common, followed by the Benin haplotype. ß(S)-globin haplotypes and interaction between alpha-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia did not influence fetal hemoglobin concentrations or the number of clinical manifestations.

Assessment of antioxidants status and superoxide dismutase activity in HIV-infected children.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the nutritional status of selenium, copper and zinc; and also the erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity of HIV-infected children compared to a control group. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with prepubertal HIV-infected children (n=51) and their healthy siblings (n=32). All biochemical measurements including plasma selenium, serum copper levels, serum and erythrocyte zinc levels and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity were evaluated according to dietary, clinical and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the HIV-infected children had lower z-score values for height-for-age (p=0.0006), higher prevalence of stunting (11.8%) (p=0.047), lower selenium levels (p=0.0006) and higher copper levels (p=0.019). No difference was found concerning superoxide dismutase activity (p>0.05). The HIV-infected group presented a higher proportion (45.1%) of children with zinc intakes below the estimated average requirement (p=0.014); however, no association with zinc biochemical parameters was found. CONCLUSION: HIV-infected children have an inadequate selenium and copper nutritional status, which could influence the progression to AIDS. An adequate micronutrient status could improve the clinical conditions in these patients and minimize free radical production and cellular oxidative stress.