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.

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.

Effect of the Brazilian iron fortification of wheat and corn flour on the nutritional iron status in adolescents, 6 years after its implementation

BACKGROUND: As it is difficult to know the content of iron added in the Brazilian iron fortification of wheat and corn flour, and if the compound has good or poor bioavailability, the objective was to assess the effect of the Brazilian iron fortification program, as it was carried out, on iron nutritional status of adolescents, 6 years after its implementation. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted with adolescents aged 10 to 17 years, both sexes, treated at a primary health care center. Data were collected from medical records of patients and compared with those of a previous survey conducted at the same center in 2004. Anthropometry, iron biochemical indicators, food intake, pubertal stage, and transferrin saturation were assessed, with pubertal stage and transferrin saturation being the last two variables compared between 2004 and 2010. Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests were also used. RESULTS: In 2010, mean hemoglobin values and serum ferritin levels were within normal ranges for both sexes, and adolescents who consumed diets with low iron bioavailability constituted more than half of the sample (52.7%). In2004, a 10.3 and 18.6% prevalence of iron deficiency was observed, based on low transferrin saturation, in females and males, respectively. It was noted that during the 6-year period, this prevalence decreased significantly, 4 and10.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia and iron deficiency are not prevalent in this population, probably due to the implementation of flour fortification with iron; it is not possible, however, to attribute such a result only to the implementation of this strategy.

Intestinal absorption of iron and calcium from soy and cow's milk-based infant formulas in weanling rats pups / Absorção intestinal de ferro e cálcio de fórmulas infantis à base de leite de vaca e de soja em filhotes de ratos recém-desmamados

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to compare the intestinal absorption of iron and calcium between soy-based and cow's milk-based infant formulas in weanling rats. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats, twenty-one days old on the first day of weaning, were used in this experiment, divided in two Groups, one Group was fed soy protein-based infant formula the other, cow's milk protein-based infant formula. During the study period (ten consecutive days) the animals received food and water ad libitum. Hematocrit and hemoglobin were evaluated on the first, fifth, and tenth days by the Wintrobe and cyanomethemoglobin methods. Feces and urine were collected, beginning on the fifth day, for three consecutive days. On the tenth day, hepatic iron content was also analyzed. Hepatic iron as well as fecal and urinary iron and calcium analyses were performed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. At thirty-one days of age, the animals were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine and sacrificed by exsanguination via the vena cava. Results: The final concentration of hemoglobin in the group soy-based infant formula and milk-based infant formula were: 10.3±1.3g/dL and 10.9±1.0g/dL (p=0.310). The apparent absorption of iron and calcium, in that order, were: 73.4±10.2% and 70.2±9.5%; 97.2±0.7% and 97.6±1.0% (p=0.501; p=0.290). The apparent calcium retention was: 88.4% ±2.2 and 88.6±2.6% (p=0.848). Hepatic iron content was: 522.0±121.1mg/g and 527.8±80.5mg/g (p=0.907) . Conclusion: Intestinal iron and calcium absorption from soy-based infant formula is similar to that from milk-based infant formula in weanling rats.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou comparar a absorção intestinal de ferro e cálcio entre fórmulas infantis à base de leite de vaca e de soja em ratos recém-desmamados. Métodos: Vinte ratos machos Wistar, com 21 dias de vida e no primeiro dia do desmame foram utilizados neste experimento, divididos em dois grupos: um alimentado com fórmula infantil à base de proteína de soja e o outro com fórmula infantil à base de proteína do leite de vaca. Durante o período de estudo (10 dias consecutivos), os ratos receberam dieta e água ad libitum. Hematócrito e hemoglobina foram mensurados no primeiro, quinto e décimo dia pelo método de Wintrobe e da cianometaemoglobina. As fezes e a urina foram recolhidas a partir do quinto dia durante durante três dias consecutivos. No décimo dia, o conteúdo de ferro hepático também foi analisado. O conteúdo de ferro hepático e a análise de ferro e cálcio nas fezes e na urina foram realizados utilizando espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica. Aos 31 dias de vida, os animais foram anestesiados com ketamina e xilasina e sacrificados por exsanguinação da veia vaca. Resultados: A concentração final de hemoglobina no grupo fórmula infantil à base de soja e fórmula infantil à base de leite de vaca foram 10,3±1,3g/dL e 10,9± 1,0g/dL (p=0,310), respectivamente. A absorção aparente de ferro e cálcio foi de: 73,4±10,2% e 70,2±9,5%, para o primeiro grupo; e 97,2±0,7% e 97,6±1,0%, para o segundo (p=0,501; p=0,290). A retenção aparente de cálcio foi: 88,4±2,2% e 88,6±2,6% (p=0,848). O teor de ferro hepático foi: 522,0±121,1µg/g e 527,8±80,5µg/g (p=0,907), respectivamente. Conclusão: A absorção intestinal de ferro e cálcio da fórmula infantil à base de soja é similar à da fórmula infantil à base de leite em ratos recém-desmamados.

Erythrocyte zinc and serum copper in male and female adolescents according to puberty stage at different growth phases

BACKGROUND: Considering that modification in body composition and growth velocity leads to alterations in zinc and copper nutritional status, the purpose of the study was to assess erythrocyte zinc and serum copper in adolescents of both genders, according to the stage of sexual maturity at different growth phases. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-six adolescents were assessed, 157 were female, with body mass index Z-scorebetween−2 and +2. Clinical biochemical measurements were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Student's t, Kruskal-Wallis, and Bonferroni tests were used. RESULTS Median serum copper was superior, and zinc was inferior to respective reference values in all groups. Serum copper presented significant reduction in the final stages of pubertal development in males; in turn, erythrocyte zinc values increased linearly with the evolution of puberty stages in both genders. Comparison between genders in each stage of growth showed significant difference in peak acceleration and in deceleration for erythrocyte zinc and serum copper, with both being higher in females. CONCLUSIONS: Serum copper is inversely influenced by modifications that occur with the evolution of puberty in males, whereas erythrocyte zinc is directly influenced in both genders, although always with deficient deposition. At peak acceleration and deceleration of growth, there is greater mobilization of erythrocyte zinc and serum copper in males, when compared with females, which does not occur at the onset of the acceleration of growth.

Brazilian Society for Food and Nutrition position statement: gluten-free diet

Position statement: The Brazilian Society for Food and Nutrition (SBAN) bases the following position statement on a critical analysis of the literature on the indications of a gluten-free (GF) diet. (1) There is insufficient evidence to assume that healthy individuals would experience any benefits from the consumption of a GF diet. (2) Recent studies suggest that gluten sensitivity may be confounded by sensitivity to low-fermentable, poorly absorbed, short-chain carbohydrates known as fermentable oligo-, di-, and mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAPs). (3) Epidemiological data supports that evenover weight celiac disease (CD) individuals fail to achieve weight loss under a GF diet. (4) Recent experimental data showed possible deleterious effects of GF feeding on the intestinal microbiota of healthy individuals. (5) GF diets can be healthy for the general population, as long as GF-processed foods are avoided, and the ingestion of other whole grains, and low-energy-density vegetables is assured. This position statement has been externally reviewed and approved by the board of the Brazilian Society for Food and Nutrition, and has not gone through the journal' s standard peer review process.

Effects of programmed physical activity on body composition in post-pubertal schoolchildren / Efeito da atividade física programada sobre a composição corporal em escolares pós-púberes

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. .

OBJETIVO: Verificar as modificações da composição corporal de escolares pós-púberes após a prática da atividade física programada durante um ano letivo. MÉTODO: Amostra composta de 386 alunos, divididos em dois grupos: estudo 195 e controle 191, entre 15 e 17 anos. O grupo estudo (GE) foi submetido a atividade física programada e o grupo controle (GC) a aulas convencionais de educação física. A composição corporal foi avaliada pelo índice de massa corporal (IMC), percentual de gordura (%G) e massa gorda (MG) e magra (MM). RESULTADOS: Foi possível observar um efeito positivo do programa de atividade física sobre a composição corporal no GE (p < 0,001) do grupo e da interação tempo x grupo em todas as variáveis analisadas em ambos os sexos. Foram observados reduções na %G (média das diferenças = -5,58%) e no perímetro da cintura (-2,33 cm) e aumento da MM (+2,05 kg) no GE em ambos os sexos. O contrário foi observado no GC. CONCLUSÃO: A prática de atividade física programada promove redução significativa de gordura corporal em escolares pós-púberes. .

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.

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.

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.

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

Objectives: To analyze the frequency of βS-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 βS-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 βS-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. βS-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 super-oxide 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. .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.