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Nutritional supplementation and the development of linear enamel hypoplasias in children from Tezonteopan, Mexico

A H Goodman1, C Martinez, A Chavez

  • 1School of Natural Science, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA 01002.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|March 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Nutritional supplements significantly reduced linear enamel hypoplasias (LEHs) in Mexican adolescents. Undernutrition during tooth development is a key cause of LEHs, impacting dental health.

Area of Science:

  • Human Health
  • Nutritional Science
  • Dental Development

Background:

  • Linear enamel hypoplasias (LEHs) are indicators of developmental stress during tooth formation.
  • Nutritional status is a critical factor influencing enamel development and health.
  • Understanding the impact of early nutrition on LEH formation is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of nutritional supplementation from birth on the incidence of LEHs in Mexican adolescents.
  • To compare LEH prevalence between supplemented and nonsupplemented (control) groups.
  • To identify potential correlations between LEH formation, age, sex, illness, and growth velocity.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative study involving two groups of Mexican adolescents (n=42 each): one supplemented daily since birth and a control group.
  • Assessment of LEH prevalence and distribution in both groups.
  • Analysis of factors including age at formation, sex, illness days, and growth velocity.

Main Results:

  • The supplemented group showed a significantly lower prevalence of LEHs (39.5%) compared to the control group (74.4%).
  • LEH formation occurred at similar peak ages (2-2.5 years) in both groups, but early and late LEHs were more common in controls.
  • LEH was more prevalent in females and associated with increased illness and decreased growth velocity.

Conclusions:

  • Early nutritional supplementation substantially reduces the risk of developing linear enamel hypoplasias.
  • Mild to moderate undernutrition during enamel formation is causally linked to LEH development.
  • Nutritional interventions during critical developmental periods are vital for preventing dental defects and promoting overall child health.

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