Dietary Selenium Deficiency Partially Mimics the Metabolic Effects of Arsenic.

Chronic arsenic exposure via drinking water is associated with diabetes in human pop-ulations throughout the world. Arsenic is believed to exert its diabetogenic effects via multiple mechanisms, including alterations to insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. In the past, acute arsenicosis has been thought to be partially treatable with selenium supplementation, though a potential interaction between selenium and arsenic had not been evaluated under longer-term exposure models. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether selenium status may augment arsenic's effects during chronic arsenic exposure. To test this possibility, mice were exposed to arsenic in their drinking water and provided ad libitum access to either a diet replete with selenium (Control) or deficient in selenium (SelD). Arsenic significantly improved glucose tolerance and decreased insulin secretion and ß-cell function in vivo. Dietary selenium deficiency resulted in similar effects on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion, with significant interactions between arsenic and dietary conditions in select insulin-related parameters. The findings of this study highlight the complexity of arsenic's metabolic effects and suggest that selenium deficiency may interact with arsenic exposure on ß-cell-related physiological parameters.

Serum vitamin D, calcium, and zinc levels in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: COVID-19 is a global public health concern. As no standard treatment has been found for it yet, several minerals and vitamins with antioxidants, immunomodulators, and antimicrobials roles can be sufficient for the immune response against the disease. The present study evaluates the serum vitamin D, calcium, and Zinc levels in patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS & METHODS: This research is a case-control study performed in May 2020 on 93 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in a Shoushtar city hospital and on 186 healthy subjects with no symptoms of COVID-19. The serum vitamin D, calcium, and zinc levels were collected and analyzed using correlation coefficient and independent t-test via SPSS 18. RESULTS: Vitamin D levels had a significant difference between the case and control groups (p = 0.008). Serum calcium and serum zinc levels also had statistically significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The research results showed that serum zinc, calcium, and vitamin D levels in COVID-19 patients are lower than in the control group. The supplementation with such nutrients is a safe and low-cost measure that can help cope with the increased demand for these nutrients in risk of acquiring the COVID-19 virus.

Prenatal and Postpartum Maternal Iodide Intake from Diet and Supplements, Urinary Iodine and Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in a Region of the United Kingdom with Mild-to-Moderate Iodine Deficiency.

Iodine is essential for normal thyroid function, supporting healthy fetal and child development. Iodine requirements increase in pregnancy, but many women in regions without salt iodization have insufficient intakes. We explored associations between iodide intake and urinary iodine concentration (UIC), urinary iodine/creatinine ratio (I/Cr), thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine and palpable goiter in a region of mild-to-moderate iodine insufficiency. A total of 246 pregnant women aged 18-40 in Bradford, UK, joined the Health and Iodine in Babies (Hiba) study. They provided detailed information on diet and supplement use, urine and serum samples and were assessed for goiter at around 12, 26 and 36 weeks' gestation, and 6, 18 and 30 weeks postpartum. Dietary iodide intake from food and drink was estimated using six 24 h recalls. During pregnancy, median (IQR) dietary iodide intake was 101 µg/day (54, 142), with 42% from dairy and 9% from white fish. Including supplements, intake was 143 µg/day (94, 196), with 49% < UK reference nutrient intake (140 µg/day). Women with Pakistani heritage had 129 µg/day (87, 190) median total intake. Total intake during pregnancy was associated with 4% (95% CI: 1%, 7%) higher UIC, 5% (3%, 7%) higher I/Cr, 4% (2%, 6%) lower thyroglobulin and 21% (9%, 32%) lower odds of palpable goiter per 50 µg/day. This cohort consumed less iodide in pregnancy than UK and World Health Organization dietary recommendations. UIC, I/Cr and thyroglobulin were associated with intake. Higher intake was associated with fewer goiters. Because dairy was the dominant source of iodide, women following plant-based or low-dairy diets may be at particular risk of iodine insufficiency.

Daily Preventive Zinc Supplementation Decreases Lymphocyte and Eosinophil Concentrations in Rural Laotian Children from Communities with a High Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Zinc deficiency impairs immune function and is common among children in South-East Asia. OBJECTIVES: The effect of zinc supplementation on immune function in young Laotian children was investigated. METHODS: Children (n = 512) aged 6-23 mo received daily preventive zinc tablets (PZ; 7 mg Zn/d), daily multiple micronutrient powder (MNP; 10 mg Zn/d, 6 mg Fe/d, plus 13 other micronutrients), therapeutic dispersible zinc tablets only in association with diarrhea episodes (TZ; 20 mg Zn/d for 10 d after an episode), or daily placebo powder (control). These interventions continued for 9 mo. Cytokine production from whole blood cultures, the concentrations of T-cell populations, and a complete blood count with differential leukocyte count were measured at baseline and endline. Endline means were compared via ANCOVA, controlling for the baseline value of the outcome, child age and sex, district, month of enrollment, and baseline zinc status (below, or above or equal to, the median plasma zinc concentration). RESULTS: T-cell cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-13, IL-17), LPS-stimulated cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10), and T-cell concentrations at endline did not differ between intervention groups, nor was there an interaction with baseline zinc status. However, mean ± SE endline lymphocyte concentrations were significantly lower in the PZ than in the control group (5018 ± 158 compared with 5640 ± 160 cells/µL, P = 0.032). Interactions with baseline zinc status were seen for eosinophils (Pixn = 0.0036), basophils (Pixn = 0.023), and monocytes (P = 0.086) but a significant subgroup difference was seen only for eosinophils, where concentrations were significantly lower in the PZ than in the control group among children with baseline plasma zinc concentrations below the overall median (524 ± 44 compared with 600 ± 41 cells/µL, P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Zinc supplementation of rural Laotian children had no effect on cytokines or T-cell concentrations, although zinc supplementation affected lymphocyte and eosinophil concentrations. These cell subsets may be useful as indicators of response to zinc supplementation.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02428647.

Maternal Selenium Deficiency in Mice Alters Offspring Glucose Metabolism and Thyroid Status in a Sexually Dimorphic Manner.

Selenium is an essential micronutrient commonly deficient in human populations. Selenium deficiency increases the risks of pregnancy complications; however, the long-term impact of selenium deficiency on offspring disease remains unclear. This study investigates the effects of selenium deficiency during pregnancy on offspring metabolic function. Female C57BL/6 mice were allocated to control (>190 µg selenium/kg, n = 8) or low selenium (<50 µg selenium/kg, n = 8) diets prior to mating and throughout gestation. At postnatal day (PN) 170, mice underwent an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and were culled at PN180 for biochemical analysis. Mice exposed to selenium deficiency in utero had reduced fasting blood glucose but increased postprandial blood glucose concentrations. Male offspring from selenium-deficient litters had increased plasma insulin levels in conjunction with reduced plasma thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine or T4) concentrations. Conversely, females exposed to selenium deficiency in utero exhibited increased plasma thyroxine levels with no change in plasma insulin. This study demonstrates the importance of adequate selenium intake around pregnancy for offspring metabolic health. Given the increasing prevalence of metabolic disease, this study highlights the need for appropriate micronutrient intake during pregnancy to ensure a healthy start to life.

Dietary vs. pharmacological doses of zinc: A clinical review.

Zinc deficiency has a global impact on health in both developing and developed countries, especially among children and the elderly. By modulating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, zinc supplementation is recommended for the treatment of several ailments, such as liver disease, male hypogonadism, cancers, heart disease (e.g. dyslipidemia) and central nervous system disorders; however, the topic of dietary vs. pharmacological doses of zinc remains controversial. This paper provides a detailed critical review of the effects of zinc supplementation in medicinal doses (i.e. >40 mg/d of elemental zinc) on human health. We further highlight the difficulty in achieving a therapeutic dose of zinc from foodstuffs.

Iron intake and iron status during pregnancy and risk of congenital heart defects: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The relationships between iron nutritional status and congenital heart defects (CHDs) among humans are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the associations of maternal iron intake during pregnancy and maternal and neonatal iron status with CHDs. METHODS: This hospital-based case-control study analyzed 474 cases and 948 controls in Shaanxi China. Eligible women waiting for delivery in the hospital were interviewed to report their diets and characteristics during pregnancy. We conveniently collected maternal blood before delivery and neonatal cord blood to get a subgroup of 50 cases and 100 controls. Mixed logistic regression models were used to estimate ORs (95%CIs) for CHDs associated with iron intake. Mixed linear regression models were used to assess the relationships between CHDs and iron status. RESULTS: Mothers whose fetuses have CHDs were less likely to have higher intakes of total iron and heme iron during pregnancy, and the tests for linear trend were significant (all P < 0.05). Mothers whose fetuses have CHDs were less likely to take iron supplements during pregnancy (OR = 0.28, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.36) and during the first trimester (OR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.12, 0.84). Maternal SF and Hb concentrations before delivery were lower and maternal sTfR/SF before delivery was higher among the cases than the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers whose fetuses have CHDs are less likely to have higher intakes of total iron and heme iron and take iron supplements during pregnancy compared to their counterparts. Maternal iron status before delivery is low among mothers whose fetuses have CHDs.

Selenoprotein-P Deficiency Predicts Cardiovascular Disease and Death.

Selenoprotein-P (SELENOP) is the main carrier of selenium to target organs and reduces tissue oxidative stress both directly and by delivering selenium to protective selenoproteins. We tested if the plasma concentration of SELENOP predicts cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the primary preventive setting. SELENOP was measured from the baseline exam in 2002-2006 of the Malmö Preventive Project, a population-based prospective cohort study, using a validated ELISA. Quintiles of SELENOP concentration were related to the risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and a first cardiovascular event in 4366 subjects during a median (interquartile range) follow-up time of 9.3 (8.3-11) years using Cox proportional Hazards Model adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. Compared to subjects in the lowest quintile of SELENOP, the risk of all three endpoints was significantly lower in quintiles 2-5. The risk (multivariate adjusted hazard ratio, 95% CI) decreased gradually with the lowest risk in quintile 4 for all-cause mortality (0.57, 0.48-0.69) (p < 0.001), cardiovascular mortality (0.52, 0.37-0.72) (p < 0.001), and first cardiovascular event (0.56, 0.44-0.71) (p < 0.001). The lower risk of a first cardiovascular event in quintiles 2-5 as compared to quintile 1 was significant for both coronary artery disease and stroke. We conclude that the 20% with lowest SELENOP concentrations in a North European population without history of cardiovascular disease have markedly increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and preventive selenium supplementation studies stratified for these subjects are warranted.

Complementary feeding and micronutrient status: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Proper nutrition during early life is critical for growth and development. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to describe systematic reviews conducted by the Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review team for the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Project to answer the following: What is the relation between 1) timing of introduction of complementary foods and beverages (CFBs) or 2) types and/or amounts of CFBs consumed and micronutrient status (iron, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B-12, folate, and fatty acid status)? METHODS: A literature search identified articles from developed countries published from January 1980 to July 2016 that met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and risk of bias assessed. Evidence was qualitatively synthesized to develop a conclusion statement, and the strength of the evidence was graded. RESULTS: Nine articles addressed the timing of CFB introduction and 31 addressed types or amounts or both of CFBs. Moderate evidence suggests that introducing CFBs at age 4 mo instead of 6 mo offers no advantages or disadvantages in iron status among healthy full-term infants. Evidence is insufficient on the timing of CFB introduction and other micronutrient status outcomes. Strong evidence suggests that CFBs containing iron (e.g., meat, fortified cereal) help maintain adequate iron status or prevent deficiency in the first year among infants at risk of insufficient iron stores or low intake. Benefits for infants with sufficient iron stores (e.g., infant formula consumers) are less clear. Moderate evidence suggests that CFBs containing zinc (e.g., meat, fortified cereal) support zinc status in the first year and CFB fatty acid composition influences fatty acid status. Evidence is insufficient with regard to types and amounts of CFBs and vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and folate status, or the relation between lower-iron-containing CFBs and micronutrient status. CONCLUSIONS: Several conclusions on CFBs and micronutrient status were drawn from these systematic reviews, but more research that addresses specific gaps and limitations is needed.

Malaria causes long-term effects on markers of iron status in children: a critical assessment of existing clinical and epidemiological tools.

BACKGROUND: Most epidemiological studies on the interplay between iron deficiency and malaria risk classify individuals as iron-deficient or iron-replete based on inflammation-dependent iron markers and adjustment for inflammation by using C-reactive protein (CRP) or α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). The validity of this approach and the usefulness of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) as a proposed inflammation-independent iron marker were tested. METHODS: Conventional iron markers and FGF23 were measured in children with acute falciparum malaria and after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Children, who were transfused or received iron supplementation in the follow-up period, were excluded, and iron stores were considered to be stable throughout. Ferritin levels 6 weeks after admission were used as a reference for admission iron status and compared with iron markers at different time points. RESULTS: There were long-term perturbations in iron markers during convalescence from acute malaria. None of the tested iron parameters, including FGF23, were independent of inflammation. CRP and AGP normalized faster than ferritin after malaria episodes. CONCLUSION: Malaria may bias epidemiological studies based on inflammation-dependent iron markers. Better markers of iron status during and after inflammation are needed in order to test strategies for iron supplementation in populations at risk of malaria.

Low yield for routine laboratory checks in follow-up of coeliac disease.

AIM: To evaluate the yield of routine laboratory tests and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans in coeliac disease. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of medical files of all followed-up patients with coeliac disease attending Rijnstate Hospital in 2016 was conducted with respect to blood tests of hemoglobin, vitamin B12, folate acid, iron status, calcium, vitamin D, glucose, thyroid function, DEXA-scans and related symptoms or signs of abnormalities. All patients had positive coeliac serology and/or biopsy-proven coeliac disease and attended regular visits after diagnosis. The chi-square test for trend was used for statistical analysis: a two-tailed probability of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We analyzed 250 patients with a median follow-up of 7.8 (1-22) years. At diagnosis, we found anemia in 24.4%, iron deficiency in 38%, folic acid deficiency in 22.6% and vitamin B12 deficiency in 15.9%. All deficiencies recovered within 1-2 years with or without supplements. Deficiencies or autoimmune diseases occurred in 50 patients (37 possibly coeliac-related) during follow-up. Twelve cases of coeliac-related deficiencies or autoimmune diseases occurred in patients with normal values at diagnosis of whom 10 were asymptomatic (incidence 10/1000 patient years). Osteoporosis and osteopenia were present in 23.3% and 35% at diagnosis. In most patients bone mineral density (BMD) improved or stabilized during follow up (p < 0.05), 8% deteriorated. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of asymptomatic coeliac-related deficiencies or autoimmune diseases is low in patients with normal values at diagnosis. Therefore, routine laboratory screening is not necessary in this group: attending regular follow-up visits should be sufficient. DEXA scans are recommended.

Zinc Deficiency among Lactating Mothers from a Peri-Urban Community of the Ecuadorian Andean Region: An Initial Approach to the Need of Zinc Supplementation.

Zinc is an important mineral for biological and physiological processes. Zinc deficiency (ZD) is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide and a crucial determinant of pregnancy outcomes and childhood development. Zinc levels and the zinc supplementation rate among lactating women have not been assessed neither in Ecuador nor in the Andean region. We conducted a pilot study including 64 mothers of infants between eight days to seven months old from a primary care center located in Conocoto, a peri-urban community of Quito, Ecuador. The mothers were interviewed and a fasting blood sample was taken to determine plasma zinc levels. The prevalence of ZD was calculated and compared with the prevalence of ZD among Ecuadorian non-pregnant non-lactating women, and the sample was analysed considering zinc supplementation during pregnancy. The prevalence of ZD among the participants was 81.3% (95% CI: 71.7⁻90.9), higher than the reported among non-pregnant non-lactating women (G² = 18.2; p < 0.05). Zinc supplementation rate was 31.2%. No significant differences were found comparing the groups considering zinc supplementation. The insights obtained from this study encourage extending studies to document zinc levels and its interactions among breastfeeding women in areas with a high prevalence of ZD in order to determine the need of zinc supplementation.

Effect of Nutritional Interventions on Micronutrient Status in Pregnant Malawian Women with Moderate Malnutrition: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy are common in Africa and can cause adverse outcomes. The objective was to measure micronutrient status and change in moderately malnourished pregnant Malawian women randomized to one of three nutritional interventions. Serum vitamin B12, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, folate, retinol, ferritin, zinc, albumin and C-reactive protein were measured in pregnant women with MUAC ≥20.6 cm and ≤23.0 cm at enrollment (n = 343) and after 10 weeks (n = 229) of receiving: (1) ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF); (2) fortified corn-soy blend (CSB+) with multiple-micronutrient supplement (CSB+UNIMMAP); or (3) CSB+ with iron and folic acid (CSB+IFA). Each provided 100⁻300% Recommended Dietary Allowance of most micronutrients and 900 kcal/day. Birth length was measured in 272 infants. Enrollment measurements indicated deficiencies in vitamin B12 (20.9%) and zinc (22.3%), low values of ferritin (25.1%) and albumin (33.7%), and elevated CRP (46.0%). Vitamin B12 is known to decrease in the third trimester; the RUSF group had the smallest decrease from enrollment to week 10 (3%), compared to 20% decrease in the CSB+IFA group and 8% decrease in the CSB+UNIMMAP group (p = 0.001). Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased most in the RUSF group (+6.4 ng/mL), compared to CSB+IFA (+1.7 ng/mL) and CSB+UNIMMAP (+2.7 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). Micronutrient deficiencies and inflammation are common among moderately malnourished pregnant women and had little improvement despite supplementation above the RDA, with the exception of vitamins B12 and D.

Contemporary challenges to iodine status and nutrition: the role of foods, dietary recommendations, fortification and supplementation.

Iodine deficiency (ID) in women of childbearing age remains a global public health concern, mainly through its impact on fetal and infant neurodevelopment. While iodine status is improving globally, ID is still prevalent in pregnancy, when requirements increase. More than 120 countries have implemented salt iodisation and food fortification, strategies that have been partially successful. Supplementation during pregnancy is recommended in some countries and supported by the WHO when mandatory salt iodisation is not present. The UK is listed as one of the ten countries with the lowest iodine status globally, with approximately 60 % of pregnant women not meeting the WHO recommended intake. Without mandatory iodine fortification or recommendation for supplementation in pregnancy, the UK population depends on dietary sources of iodine. Both women and healthcare professionals have low knowledge and awareness of iodine, its sources or its role for health. Dairy and seafood products are the richest sources of iodine and their consumption is essential to support adequate iodine status. Increasing iodine through the diet might be possible if iodine-rich foods get repositioned in the diet, as they now contribute towards only about 13 % of the average energy intake of adult women. This review examines the use of iodine-rich foods in parallel with other public health strategies, to increase iodine intake and highlights the rare opportunity in the UK for randomised trials, due to the lack of mandatory fortification programmes.

Cut-off Serum Zinc Concentration Affecting the Appetite, Growth, and Nutrition Status of Undernourished Children Supplemented With Zinc.

BACKGROUND: Zinc supplementation has varied effects on the linear growth of children who exhibited stunted growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational study involved 761 undernourished children, aged 2-10 years, who received a 24-week course of 10-mg elemental zinc per day. The clinical parameters for evaluation included appetite, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Evaluation of the effect of zinc supplementation was stratified by the initial serum zinc concentration. RESULTS: The enrolled participants comprised 390 boys and 371 girls. The mean age was 5.63 years. The height-for-age, weight-for-age, and BMI-for-age z scores increased gradually during the study period. When compared with the children with a serum zinc concentration ≥75 µg/dL, the height, weight, weight-for-age, and BMI-for-age z scores increased significantly in the patients with serum zinc concentrations of <75 µg/dL after 12- and 24-week zinc supplementation (all P < .001). BMI, height-for-age z score, and appetite also increased significantly in patients with serum zinc concentrations of <75 µg/dL after 24-week zinc supplementation (P = .003, .019, and <.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that undernourished children with serum zinc concentrations of <75 µg/dL experienced greater increments in appetite and growth as a result of zinc supplementation.

A Food-Derived Dietary Supplement Containing a Low Dose of Iron Improved Markers of Iron Status Among Nonanemic Iron-Deficient Women.

OBJECTIVE: Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world. While deficiency can often be resolved through dietary supplementation with iron, adverse events are common and frequently preclude compliance. The objective of this study was to determine whether a food-derived dietary supplement containing a low dose of iron and nutrients that increase iron absorption could resolve iron deficiency with fewer adverse events than reported at higher doses. METHODS: A pilot clinical trial (NCT02683369) was conducted among premenopausal women with nonanemic iron deficiency that was verified by blood screening. Participants consumed a dietary supplement (Blood Builder®/Iron Response®) once daily for 8 weeks containing 26 mg of iron, vitamin C, folate, and other food-derived nutrients. Primary outcomes were markers of iron status (serum ferritin, hemoglobin, soluble transferrin receptor, total body iron stores) and secondary outcomes were self-reported fatigue and energy. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. Adverse events were monitored with questionnaires, daily diaries, and contact with a physician. Dependent samples t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyze outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-three participants enrolled in the study. Iron deficiency was resolved in the sample (mean serum ferritin: baseline = 13.9 µg/L, 8 weeks = 21.1 µg/L, p < 0.001). All other markers of iron status, fatigue, and energy also improved during the study (p < 0.04). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: While larger and controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings, a food-derived dietary supplement with a low dose of iron and absorption-enhancing nutrients resolved iron deficiency and improved all other markers of iron status without any adverse events.

Impact of Selenium Addition to Animal Feeds on Human Selenium Status in Serbia.

Research conducted during the 1980s demonstrated Se deficiency in humans. Increased inclusion of selenium in animal feeds started from the year 2000 onwards. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of selenium inclusion in animal feeds on human selenium status and dietary habits of the Serbian population related to food of animal origin. Plasma selenium concentration in healthy adult volunteers, including residents of one of the regions with the lowest (Eastern Serbia, n = 60) and of one of the regions with the highest Se serum levels reported in the past (Belgrade, n = 82), was determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Multivariate analysis was employed to determine the correlation between Se plasma levels and dietary intake data derived from food frequency questionnaires and laboratory tests. The mean plasma Se level of the participants was 84.3 ± 15.9 µg/L (range: 47.3-132.1 µg/L), while 46% of participants had plasma Se levels lower than 80 µg/L. Frequency of meat, egg, and fish consumption was significantly correlated with plasma selenium level (r = 0.437, p = 0.000). Selenium addition to animal feed in the quantity of 0.14 mg/kg contributed to the improvement of human plasma selenium levels by approximately 30 µg/L.

Nutritional deficiencies and bone metabolism after endobarrier in obese type 2 patients with diabetes.

Endobarrier® is a minimally invasive, reversible endoscopic treatment for obesity. It provokes malabsorption along 60 cm of the small intestine, which can contribute to the development of vitamin deficiencies and to changes in bone mineral density (BMD). To determine the prevalence of nutrient deficiencies, changes in body composition and BMD during the first year after Endobarrier® placement. Twenty-one patients with type 2 diabetes met inclusion criteria. Levels of vitamins, micro and macronutrients were assessed prior and at 1, 3 and 12 months post-operatively. DEXA was performed before and 12 months after implant. Nineteen patients completed the 12 months follow-up. Vitamin D deficiency was the most prevalent finding before Endobarrier® implant. The percentage of patients with severe deficiency decreased from 19 to 5% at 12 months after supplementation. Microcytic anaemia was initially present in 9.5% of patients and increased to 26.3% at 12 months. Low ferritin and vitamin B12 levels were observed in 14.2 and 4.8% of patients before the implant and worsened to 42 and 10.5%. Low concentrations of magnesium and phosphorus were also common but improved along the study. A significant but not clinically relevant decrease in BMD of 4.14 ± 4.0% at the femoral neck was observed at 12 months without changes in osteocalcin levels. Vitamin deficiencies are common after Endobarrier® implant. It is therefore important to screen patients prior to and at regular intervals after the implant, and to encourage adherence to diet counselling and supplementation.

Thyroglobulin level at week 16 of pregnancy is superior to urinary iodine concentration in revealing preconceptual and first trimester iodine supply.

Pregnant women are prone to iodine deficiency due to the increased need for iodine during gestation. Progress has recently occurred in establishing serum thyroglobulin (Tg) as an iodine status biomarker, but there is no accepted reference range for iodine sufficiency during pregnancy. An observational study was conducted in 164 pregnant women. At week 16 of gestation urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum Tg, and thyroid functions were measured, and information on the type of iodine supplementation and smoking were recorded. The parameters of those who started iodine supplementation (≥150 µg/day) at least 4 weeks before pregnancy (n = 27), who started at the detection of pregnancy (n = 51), and who had no iodine supplementation (n = 74) were compared. Sufficient iodine supply was found in the studied population based on median UIC (162 µg/L). Iodine supplementation ≥150 µg/day resulted in higher median UIC regardless of its duration (nonusers: 130 µg/L vs. prepregnancy iodine starters: 240 µg/L, and pregnancy iodine starters: 205 µg/L, p < .001, and p = .023, respectively). Median Tg value of pregnancy starters was identical to that of nonusers (14.5 vs. 14.6 µg/L), whereas prepregnancy starters had lower median Tg (9.1 µg/L, p = .018). Serum Tg concentration at week 16 of pregnancy showed negative relationship (p = .010) with duration of iodine supplementation and positive relationship (p = .008) with smoking, a known interfering factor of iodine metabolism, by multiple regression analysis. Serum Tg at week 16 of pregnancy may be a promising biomarker of preconceptual and first trimester maternal iodine status, the critical early phase of foetal brain development.

Concurrent iron and zinc deficiencies in lactating mothers and their children 6-23 months of age in two agro-ecological zones of rural Ethiopia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the co-occurrences of low serum ferritin and zinc and anaemia among mothers and their children in two agro-ecological zones of rural Ethiopia. METHODS: Data were collected from 162 lactating mothers and their breast fed children aged 6-23 months. The data were collected via a structured interview, anthropometric measurements, and blood tests for zinc, ferritin and anaemia. Correlation, Chi-square and multivariable analysis were used to determine the association between nutritional status of mothers and children, and agro-ecological zones. RESULTS: Low serum levels of iron and zinc, anaemia and iron deficiency anaemia were found in 44.4, 72.2, 52.5 and 29.6% of children and 19.8, 67.3, 21.8, 10.5% of mothers, respectively. There was a strong correlation between the micronutrient status of the mothers and the children for ferritin, zinc and anaemia (p < 0.005). Deficiency in both zinc and ferritin and one of the two was observed in 19.1, and 53.7% of the mothers and 32.7 and 46.3%, of their children, respectively. In the 24 h before the survey, 82.1% of mothers and 91.9% of their infants consumed foods that can decrease zinc bioavailability while only 2.5% of mothers and 3.7% of their infants consumed flesh foods. CONCLUSION: This study shows that micronutrient deficiencies were prevalent among lactating mothers and their children, with variation in prevalence across the agro-ecological zones. This finding calls for a need to design effective preventive public health nutrition programs to address both the mothers' and their children's needs.