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Plasma tocopherol and tocopherol to lipid ratios in a normal population of infants and children
M D Laryea1, B Biggemann, P Cieslicki
1University-Children's Hospital, Düsseldorf/FRG.
Insights
Plasma tocopherol concentrations indicate an excellent vitamin E status in West German children. This suggests their diet is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and vitamin E.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Pediatric health
Background:
- Vitamin E status is crucial for overall health.
- Assessing vitamin E levels in children is important for monitoring nutritional adequacy.
- Dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can influence vitamin E requirements and status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine plasma tocopherol concentrations in healthy West German children.
- To evaluate the vitamin E status of these children using established reference values.
- To explore the relationship between plasma lipids and tocopherol levels.
Main Methods:
- Plasma tocopherol concentrations were measured using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
- The study included 73 children aged 1-14 years, 7 cord blood samples, and 5 infants under 1 year.
- The total tocopherol to total lipid ratio was calculated as an index of vitamin E status.
Main Results:
- Plasma tocopherol levels in children aged 1-14 years ranged from 584 to 2024 micrograms/dl (mean 1046 +/- 283).
- The total tocopherol/total lipid ratio was significantly above the normal lower limit of 0.6 mg/g lipid, indicating excellent vitamin E status.
- A positive correlation (r = 0.71) was observed between plasma lipids and total tocopherol concentrations.
Conclusions:
- West German children exhibit an excellent vitamin E status.
- This favorable status is likely attributed to a diet high in PUFA and vitamin E.
- The findings support the importance of dietary assessment in pediatric nutrition.
Abstract:
The plasma tocopherol concentrations were measured by HPLC in 73 apparently healthy West German children aged from 1 to 14 years and in 7 cord blood samples and 5 infants below 1 year of age. Total tocopherols ranged from 584 to 2024 micrograms/dl in the children above 1 year of age (mean 1046 +/- 283 micrograms/dl) and from 511 to 1155 micrograms/dl in the infants below 1 year of age (mean 879 +/- 270 micrograms/dl). The total tocopherol/total lipid ratio-representing the reliable index for vitamin E status-was far above 0.6 mg/g lipid, a level which is regarded as the lower limit of normal (range 1.23 to 4.09 mg/g total lipid in the older children and 1.52 to 2.05 in the infants below 1 year). A positive correlation was found between plasma lipids and total tocopherol (r = 0.71). Our investigation demonstrated an excellent vitamin E status in the children investigated which is considered to reflect the high supply of West German food with PUFA and vitamin E.