Related Experiment Videos
Selenium and vitamins status in Saudi children
Iman Al-Saleh1, Grisellhi Billedo, Inaam El-Doush
1Biological and Medical Research Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia. iman@kfshrc.edu.sa
Summary
Saudi children in Al-Kharj show adequate selenium and vitamin A status, but toenail selenium levels suggest low dietary intake. High vitamin A intake may pose risks, and selenium status is linked to location and diet.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Pediatric health
- Environmental health
Background:
- Selenium is vital for glutathione peroxidase activity; deficiency impacts antioxidant status and health.
- Previous research in Al-Kharj indicated low soil and maternal milk selenium levels.
- Understanding nutrient status in children is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess selenium, dl-alpha-tocopherol, and all-trans-retinol status in Saudi children.
- To investigate factors influencing nutrient levels, including geographical location and dietary habits.
- To evaluate the relationship between these nutrients and oxidative stress markers.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 513 Saudi children in Al-Kharj.
- Analysis of serum and toenail samples for selenium, dl-alpha-tocopherol, and all-trans-retinol.
- Statistical analysis to determine nutrient status and associations.
Main Results:
- Serum selenium levels were generally adequate, but toenail selenium indicated low dietary intake in over half the children.
- DL-alpha-tocopherol deficiency was minimal (3.1%), and severe all-trans-retinol deficiency was absent.
- Marginal vitamin A deficiency affected 5.5% of children, with 10.9% exhibiting high retinol levels (>50 microg/dl).
Conclusions:
- Geographical location significantly influences children's selenium status, suggesting dietary variations.
- Serum and toenail selenium correlate, reflecting dietary selenium intake.
- While vitamin A status appears adequate, high intake may be concerning; further research is needed.
- DL-alpha-tocopherol and all-trans-retinol show a protective role against oxidative stress (MDA).
Related Concept Videos
01:30Vitamins
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...
01:26Minerals
Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
01:20Sulfur Assimilation
Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to become...
01:21Antiprotozoal Agents
Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by several Leishmania species. It affects millions of people each year and remains a major public health problem in endemic regions. First-line treatment relies on pentavalent antimonials, including meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Even so, how these drugs work has not been fully clear, especially their interaction with parasite-specific biochemical pathways. One key target is trypanothione reductase (TR), an enzyme that...