Serum carotenoid and retinol levels during childhood infections.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, new physiological functions of vitamin A have been identified, including its role in immune defense. The antioxidant potential of carotenoids is thought to account for their health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration changes in the provitamin-A (alpha- and-beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin) and of the non-provitamin-A carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene) in children with acute infections. METHODS: Serum retinol and carotenoid concentrations were measured by HPLC in 45 children suffering from acute infections and in 29 healthy controls. In addition 15 healthy children collected food samples over 2 days. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured by turbidimetry. RESULTS: Serum levels of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin and retinol and non-provitamin-A carotenoid lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations were significantly lower in children with infections compared to healthy controls. There were significant negative correlations between CRP levels and serum beta-carotene and retinol concentrations. The average intake of retinol equivalents was 1.1 +/- 0.6 mg/day. CONCLUSION: Serum retinol and provitamin-A as well as non-provitamin-A carotenoid concentrations were lower in children with acute phase infections compared to healthy controls. The inverse correlations between CRP and beta-carotene or retinol indicate either decreased synthesis or increased utilization of these antioxidants.

[Macrocytic anemia and neurological signs due to vitamin B-12 deficiency in a breast-fed infant of a strict vegetarian mother]. / Anyai vegan diéta talaján kialakult csecsemókori B12-vitaminhiányos macrocytaer anaemia idegrendszeri tünetekkel.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a very rare disease of infants and young children in Europe. Authors report a case of a 9.5-month-old infant who was exclusively breast-fed by his vegan mother and developed serious vitamin B12 deficiency in form of neurological regression, repetitive vomiting, drowsiness, dysphagia, obstipation, and tremor. A few days after intramuscular vitamin substitution his abnormal signs improved dramatically, hematological restitution was reached in six weeks. Authors describe the hematological and neurological signs, the diagnostic and differential-diagnostic pitfalls, therapy, prognosis, and prevention of this condition. Beside reviewing the literature they emphasize the importance of early recognition and intervention and the need of an appropriate doctor-parent cooperation in this disease.