Growth, body composition, and cardiovascular and nutritional risk of 5- to 10-y-old children consuming vegetarian, vegan, or omnivore diets.

BACKGROUND: Plant-based diets (PBDs) are increasingly recommended for human and planetary health. However, comprehensive evidence on the health effects of PBDs in children remains incomplete, particularly in vegans. OBJECTIVES: To quantify differences in body composition, cardiovascular risk, and micronutrient status of vegetarian and vegan children relative to omnivores and to estimate prevalence of abnormal micronutrient and cholesterol status in each group. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, Polish children aged 5-10 y (63 vegetarian, 52 vegan, 72 matched omnivores) were assessed using anthropometry, deuterium dilution, DXA, and carotid ultrasound. Fasting blood samples, dietary intake, and accelerometry data were collected. RESULTS: All results are reported relative to omnivores. Vegetarians had lower gluteofemoral adiposity but similar total fat and lean mass. Vegans had lower fat indices in all regions but similar lean mass. Both groups had lower bone mineral content (BMC). The difference for vegetarians attenuated after accounting for body size but remained in vegans (total body minus the head: -3.7%; 95% CI: -7.0, -0.4; lumbar spine: -5.6%; 95% CI: -10.6, -0.5). Vegetarians had lower total cholesterol, HDL, and serum B-12 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] without supplementation but higher glucose, VLDL, and triglycerides. Vegans were shorter and had lower total LDL (-24 mg/dL; 95% CI: -35.2, -12.9) and HDL (-12.2 mg/dL; 95% CI: -17.3, -7.1), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, iron status, and serum B-12 (-217.6 pmol/L; 95% CI: -305.7, -129.5) and 25(OH)D without supplementation but higher homocysteine and mean corpuscular volume. Vitamin B-12 deficiency, iron-deficiency anemia, low ferritin, and low HDL were more prevalent in vegans, who also had the lowest prevalence of high LDL. Supplementation resolved low B-12 and 25(OH)D concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Vegan diets were associated with a healthier cardiovascular risk profile but also with increased risk of nutritional deficiencies and lower BMC and height. Vegetarians showed less pronounced nutritional deficiencies but, unexpectedly, a less favorable cardiometabolic risk profile. Further research may help maximize the benefits of PBDs in children.

Vitamin D Supplementation Guidelines for General Population and Groups at Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency in Poland-Recommendations of the Polish Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes and the Expert Panel With Participation of National Specialist Consultants and Representatives of Scientific Societies-2018 Update.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is an important public health problem worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency confers a significant risk for both skeletal and non-skeletal disorders and a number of lifelong negative health outcomes. The objectives of this evidence-based guidelines document are to provide health care professionals in Poland, an updated recommendation for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: A systematic literature search examining the prevention and treatment strategies for vitamin D deficiency was conducted. Updated recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system describing the strength of the recommendation and the quality of supporting evidence. Twenty-seven contributors representing different areas of expertise and medical specialties, including pediatricians, geriatricians, endocrinologists, epidemiologists, nephrologists, gynecologists and obstetricians evaluated the available published evidence related to vitamin D, formulated the goals of this document and developed a common consolidated position. The consensus group, representing six national specialist consultants and eight Polish and international scientific organizations/societies, participated in the process of grading evidence and drawing up the general and specific recommendations. RESULTS: The updated recommendations define the diagnostic criteria for the evaluation of vitamin D status and describe the prevention and treatment strategies of vitamin D deficiency in the general population and in groups at increased risk of the deficiency. Age- and weight-specific recommendations for prevention, supplementation and treatment of vitamin D deficiency are presented, and detailed practice guidance is discussed regarding the management in primary and specialized health care. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency remains still highly prevalent in Poland, in all age groups. Currently, there is a great necessity to implement a regular supplementation with recommended doses and to develop an effective strategy to alleviate vitamin D deficiency in the population. These updated recommendations are addressed to health professionals and the authorities pursuing comprehensive health policies and should also be included in public health programs aimed at preventing a broad spectrum of chronic diseases.

Nutritional therapy complications in children with ultra-short bowel syndrome include growth deficiency but not cholestasis.

AIM: Children with ultra-short bowel syndrome (USBS) have not been extensively studied to date because the condition is rare. The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of children with USBS receiving home parenteral nutrition, using citrulline serum concentration and cholestasis. METHODS: We studied 17 patients with USBS, with a median age of 6.6 years and median duration of parenteral nutrition of 6.6 years. The study was carried out at The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, from January 2014 to January 2015. RESULTS: The median standard deviation score (SDS) was -1.2 for body mass according to chronological age, -1.72 according to height and -0.59 according to height for age. Patients requiring seven days per week parenteral nutrition had a citrulline concentration below 10 µmol/L. Decreased bone-mineral density was observed in 87% of the patients. Low values of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were found in 53% of the children. None of the patients had elevated conjugated bilirubin levels above 34.2 µmol/L. CONCLUSION: Children with USBS were growth deficient according to their chronological age, with frequent abnormal bone mineralisation and vitamin D deficiency. Children requiring parenteral nutrition seven days a week had citrulline concentrations below 10 µmol/L. Cholestasis was not seen.

Biallelic mutations in CYP24A1 or SLC34A1 as a cause of infantile idiopathic hypercalcemia (IIH) with vitamin D hypersensitivity: molecular study of 11 historical IIH cases.

Idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia (IIH) is a mineral metabolism disorder characterized by severe hypercalcemia, failure to thrive, vomiting, dehydration, and nephrocalcinosis. The periodical increase in incidence of IIH, which occurred in the twentieth century in the United Kingdom, Poland, and West Germany, turned out to be a side effect of rickets over-prophylaxis. It was recently discovered that the condition is linked to two genes, CYP24A1 and SLC34A1. The aim of the study was to search for pathogenic variants of the genes in adult persons who were shortlisted in infancy as IIH caused by "hypersensitivity to vit. D". All persons were found to carry mutations in CYP24A1 or SLC34A1, nine and two persons respectively. The changes were biallelic, with one exception. Incidence of IIH in Polish population estimated on the basis of allele frequency of recurrent p.R396W CYP24A1 variant, is 1:32,465 births. It indicates that at least a thousand homozygotes and compound heterozygotes with risk of IIH live in the country. Differences in mechanism of developing hypercalcemia indicate that its prevention may vary in both IIH defects. Theoretically, vit. D restriction is a first indication for CYP24A1 defect (which disturbs 1,25(OH)2D degradation) and phosphate supplementation for SLC34A1 defect (which impairs renal phosphate transport). In conclusion, we suggest that molecular testing for CYP24A1 and SLC34A1 mutations should be performed in each case of idiopathic hypercalcemia/hypercalciuria, both in children and adults, to determine the proper way for acute treatment and complications prevention.

Nutritional therapy in paediatric intensive care units: a consensus statement of the Section of Paediatric Anaesthesia and Intensive Therapy the Polish Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Polish Society of Neonatology and Polish Society for.

Providing nutritional therapy via the gastrointestinal tract in patients in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is an effective method for delivering energy and other nutrients. In the event of contraindications to using this method, it is necessary to commence parenteral nutrition. In the present study, methods for nutritional treatments in critically ill children are presented, depending on the clinical situation.

Practical guidelines for the supplementation of vitamin D and the treatment of deficits in Central Europe - recommended vitamin D intakes in the general population and groups at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Adequate Vitamin D intake and its concentration in serum are important for bone health and calcium-phosphate metabolism as well as for optimal function of many organs and tissues. Documented trends in lifestyle, nutritional habits and physical activity appear to be associated with moderate or severe Vitamin D deficits resulting in health problems. Most epidemiological studies suggest that Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among Central European populations. Concern about this problem led to the organising of a conference focused on overcoming Vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: After reviewing the epidemiological evidence and relevant literature, a Polish multidisciplinary group formulated theses on recommendations for Vitamin D screening and supplementation in the general population. These theses were subsequently sent to Scientific Committee members of the 'Vitamin D - minimum, maximum, optimum' conference for evaluation based on a ten-point scale.With 550 international attendees, the meeting 'Vitamin D - minimum, maximum, optimum' was held on October 19-20, 2012 in Warsaw(Poland). Most recent scientific evidence of both skeletal and non-skeletal effects of Vitamin D as well as the results of panellists' voting were reviewed and discussed during eight plenary sessions and two workshops. RESULTS: Based on many polemical discussions, including post-conference networking, the key opinion leaders established ranges of serum 25-hydroxyVitamin D concentration indicating Vitamin D deficiency [< 20 ng/mL (< 50 nmol/L)], suboptimal status [20-30 ng/mL(50-75 nmol/L)], and target concentration for optimal Vitamin D effects [30-50 ng/mL (75-125 nmol/L)]. General practical guidelines regarding supplementation and updated recommendations for prophylactic Vitamin D intakes in Central European neonates, infants, children and adolescents as well as in adults (including recommendations for pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly) were developed. CONCLUSIONS: Improving the Vitamin D status of children, adolescents, adults and the elderly must be included in the priorities of physicians,healthcare professionals and healthcare regulating bodies. The present paper offers elaborated consensus on supplementation guidance and population strategies for Vitamin D in Central Europe.

[Recommendations of prophylaxis of vitamin D deficiency in Poland (2009)]. / Zalecenia dotyczace profilaktyki niedoborów witaminy D w polsce (2009).

Adequate vitamin D intake and its status as well outdoor physical activity are important not only for normal bone development and Ca-P metabolism, but for optimal function of many organs and tissues throughout the body. Due to documented changes in dietary habits and physical activity level, both observed in growing children and adults, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is continuously increasing. National Consultants and experts in this field established the Polish recommendations for prophylactic vitamin D supplementation in infants, toddlers, children and adolescents as well as in adults, including pregnant and lactating women based on current literature review. Taking into consideration pleyotropic vitamin D action and safety aspects serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) level of 20-60 ng/ml (50-750 nmol/l) in children and 30-80 ng/ml (75-200 nmol/I) in adults is considered as optimal. Sunlight exposure inducing vitamin D production in the skin is main endogen source of vitamin D in the body but sunscreens may reduce skin synthesis by 90%. In Poland, skin synthesis is effective only from April to September so other sources of vitamin D such as diet and supplements play an important role. All newborns should be supplemented with 400 IU/d of vitamin D beginning from the first few days of life and continue during infancy. In formula fed infants vitamin D intake from the diet should be taken into account. In preterm infants higher total vitamin D intake (400-800 IU/day) is recommended till 40 weeks post conception. Total vitamin D intake in children and adolescents required from all sources (diet and/or supplements) should be 400 IU/d between October and March and throughout the whole year in case of inadequate vitamin D skin synthesis during the summer months. In overweight/obese children supplementation with higher dosage of vitamin D up to 800-1000 IU/d should be considered. Adults require 800-1000 IU/d of vitamin D. In pregnant and lactating women such supplementation is recommended in case of inadequate intake from diet and/or skin synthesis supplementation. Monitoring of serum 25-OHD level to define optimal dosage should be considered.

[Prophylaxis of vitamin D deficiency--Polish recommendations 2009]. / Polskie zalecenia dotyczace profilaktyki niedoborów witaminy D--2009.

Appropriate state procurement system for vitamin D is important not only for the proper functioning of the skeletal, maintaining calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, but also for a number of other organs and tissues in our body. In connection with the change in lifestyle including dietary habits change, the widespread use of UV filters and less outdoor activity, observed an increase in the percentage of vitamin D deficiency, both in population and developmental age and adults. Based on the results of recent scientific research team of experts provides recommendations for preventive Polish supply of vitamin D in infants, children, adolescents and adults, including pregnant women and nursing mothers.

[Prophylaxis of vitamin D deficiency--Polish recommendation 2009]. / Stanowisko Zespolu Ekspertów. Polskie zalecenia dotyczace profilaktyki niedoborów witaminy D - 2009.

Adequate vitamin D intake and its status are important not only for bone health and Ca-P metabolism, but for optimal function of many organs and tissues throughout the body. Due to documented changes in dietary habits and physical activity level, both observed in growing children and adults, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is continuously increasing. Basing on current literature review and opinions of National Consultants and experts in the field, polish recommendations for prophylactic vitamin D supplementation in infants, toddlers, children and adolescents as well as in adults, including pregnant and lactating women have been established.

[Current neonatal resuscitation practices in Polish neonatal units - national survey]. / Stan przygotowania pod wzgledem merytorycznym i organizacyjnym oddzialów neonatologicznych o róznym stopniu referencji do prowadzenia resuscytacji noworodka po urodzeniu.

AIM: We surveyed current neonatal resuscitation practices in Polish neonatal units to determine the factors, relevant to improving practices in this area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed within the framework of the National Standardization Programme on Neonatal Practices and Procedures in 2007. An 11 question survey included questions concerning the frequency of neonatal resuscitation, type of procedure performed during resuscitation ie.: medicaments and oxygen administration, umbilical vein catetherisation, equipment availability, resuscitation of extremely preterm babies. The survey included also questions concerning problems in resuscitation and their causes. 420 questionnaires were sent out and 274 were returned completed (65.2% response rate). 266 units providing delivery room resuscitation were included in the study. RESULTS: Neonatal resuscitation procedures were needed significantly more frequently in the centres of the highest degree reference (p<0.001). There were also marked differences between the centres according to the frequency of umbilical vessels catetherisation and availability of the necessary medical equipment. In 44.6% of neonatal units, resuscitated newborns are successfully ventilated with room air. However, in 23.5% of the surveyed units, 100% oxygen is used for ventilation. The finding of great importance is that 30.7% of neonatal units stated the need for a trained resuscitator to attend a high risk pregnancy delivery and to resuscitate asphyxiated newborns. CONCLUSIONS: There are substantial differences in neonatal resuscitation practices in different neonatal centres. These findings should stimulate appropriate authorities to start an educational programme to establish suitable polices in newborn resuscitation.

[Prevention of osteopenia in premature infants]. / Zapobieganie osteopenii u wczesniaków.

Proposition of recommendations for prevention of osteopenia in premature infants is presented in this article. In parenteral nutrition in premature infants calcium and phosphorus should be supplemented early in a dose of 80-100 mg/kg/24 h (2-2.5 mmol/kg/24 h) and 43-63 mg/kg/24 h (1.4-2 mmol/kg/24 h) respectively. In enteral nutrition calcium and phosphorus should be supplemented in a dose 90-150 mg/kg/24 h (2.25-3.7 mmol/kg/24 h), and: 45-80 mg/kg/24 h (1.5-2.6 mmol/kg) respectively. Breast milk fortifier is recommended up to the corrected age of 40 Hbd and in case of growth retarded infants - up to 52 Hbd. Vitamin D should be supplemented in a dose of 400-800 IU, particularly in breast fed infants. Vitamin content in formula or fortifier must be taken into account. Active metabolites of vitamin D are not recommended. Physical activities, together with appropriate mineral, protein and energy intake may decrease the risk of osteopenia. Laboratory assessment of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis is recommended every 2 weeks, from 6(th) week of life.