Plasma chromium concentrations in normal infants and cystic fibrosis patients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Clinical Chemistry
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Chromium is an essential trace element involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
• Understanding chromium homeostasis is crucial for pediatric health and disease management.
• Previous research on chromium levels in children and its role in specific conditions like cystic fibrosis is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish reference ranges for plasma chromium concentrations in healthy children aged 0-14 years.
• To investigate the impact of chromium supplementation on plasma chromium levels in cystic fibrosis patients.
• To determine any correlation between plasma chromium levels and growth retardation in cystic fibrosis.

Main Methods:

• Plasma samples were collected from a cohort of normal children aged 0-14 years.
• Plasma chromium concentrations were measured using established analytical techniques.
• Plasma chromium levels were assessed in cystic fibrosis patients receiving daily chromium supplementation (0.5-0.75 microgram Cr/kg/d).

Main Results:

• Plasma chromium concentrations in normal children ranged from 0.65 to 0.88 microgram/l.
• These levels did not exhibit significant changes with increasing age in the pediatric cohort.
• Plasma chromium concentrations in cystic fibrosis patients receiving supplementation were comparable to those in normal children.
• No correlation was found between plasma chromium values and the presence of growth retardation in cystic fibrosis patients.

Conclusions:

• Normal pediatric reference ranges for plasma chromium have been established.
• Dietary chromium supplementation at the studied dosage does not significantly alter plasma chromium levels in cystic fibrosis patients.
• Plasma chromium levels do not appear to be a determining factor in growth retardation observed in cystic fibrosis.