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Serum retinol and total carotene concentrations in obese pre-school children
Rosell Oselka Saccardo Sarni1, Fabíola Isabel Suano de Souza, Rejane Andréa Ramalho
1Faculty of Medicine of the ABC Foundation, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. rssarni@uol.com.br
Insights
Childhood obesity is linked to lower carotenoid levels, increasing atherosclerosis risk. This study highlights the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies in obese preschoolers for long-term health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern with long-term health implications.
- Limited research exists on the link between childhood obesity and serum retinol/carotenoid levels in this region.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between obesity and serum levels of retinol and carotenoids in preschool children.
- To evaluate lipid profiles in obese versus non-obese preschool children.
- To identify potential risk factors for future cardiovascular disease in obese children.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 46 preschool children (23 obese, 23 non-obese), matched for sex and age.
- Serum retinol and carotenoid levels were assessed using established methods.
- Nutritional status (weight/height z-score) and lipid profiles (triglycerides, total cholesterol, VLDL-c, HDL-c, LDL-c) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Obese children showed significantly higher rates of low carotenoid levels (82% vs. 26.6%, p=0.0054).
- No significant differences were found in serum retinol, total cholesterol, or cholesterol fractions between obese and non-obese children.
- While not statistically significant, trends suggested higher triglycerides and VLDL-c in obese children.
Conclusions:
- Low serum carotenoid levels in obese preschool children may contribute to increased oxidative stress.
- The combination of obesity, hyperlipidemia, and low carotenoids presents a potential risk for atherosclerosis later in life.
- Early nutritional interventions focusing on carotenoids are warranted for obese children.
Background:
Obesity among pre-school children and its repercussions on adult life are growing problems, but there has been little research focusing on its relationship with the deficiency of serum retinol and carotenoids in our region.
Material/Methods:
In a case-control study, a group of 46 preschool children, were matched by sex and age (23 obese and 23 non-obese subjects; average age 5.74 and 5.76 years, respectively). Serum retinol and carotenoid levels were evaluated according to Underwood and Sauberlich. Other aspects evaluated included nutritional status using the weight/height z-score (Obesity ZWH > or = 2), serum levels of triglicerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and the VLDL-c, HDL-c, and LDL-c fractions, classified according to Kwiterovich.
Results:
Serum retinol insufficiency was 18.2% vs. 6.7% (p=0.38) for cases and controls, respectively. Low carotenoid levels were found in the obese in relation to the non-obese (82% vs. 26,6%, p=0,0054 and OR=12,4). No statistically significant difference between the case and control groups was found for TC and cholesterol fractions, TG and retinol. The findings for the tested parameters were as follows: high TC (cases 30.4%, controls 21.7%; p=0.50), LDL-c (cases and controls 34.8%; p=0.50), low HDL-c (cases 17.4%, controls 26%; p=0.47), high TG (cases 31.8%, controls 17.4%, p=0.65) and high VLDL-c (cases 21.7% and controls 8.7%; p=0.20).
Conclusions:
The association of obesity, hyperlipidemia and low serum level of carotenoids, which are essential to antioxidant protection, may be one of many factors predisposing obese children to a high risk of atherosclerosis later in life.