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Tocopherol concentrations in platelets in children
Insights
This study establishes normal platelet tocopherol (vitamin E) ranges in children, finding lower levels in older children compared to adults and infants. Infants showed adult-comparable vitamin E levels, potentially due to formula intake.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a vital lipid-soluble antioxidant.
- Establishing pediatric reference ranges for tocopherol is crucial for nutritional assessment.
- Previous studies have not fully characterized platelet tocopherol concentrations across pediatric age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the normal range of platelet tocopherol concentrations in healthy children aged 3 months to 15 years.
- To compare pediatric platelet and plasma tocopherol levels with adult values.
- To investigate tocopherol concentrations in infants versus older children.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of platelet tocopherol concentrations in 158 healthy children (3 months-15 years).
- Comparison of pediatric data with adult reference values.
- Assessment of plasma and red blood cell (RBC) tocopherol levels and tocopherol/lipid ratios.
Main Results:
- Mean platelet tocopherol concentration in children was 0.17 µg/mg protein (range: 0.07-0.39 µg/mg protein).
- Children over 1 year old had lower platelet and plasma tocopherol concentrations than adults.
- Infants (<1 year) exhibited higher tocopherol concentrations (platelet, plasma, RBC) comparable to adults, possibly due to fortified formulas.
Conclusions:
- The established reference range for platelet tocopherol in children is 0.07-0.39 µg/mg protein.
- Age-related differences in tocopherol levels exist in children, with infants showing higher concentrations.
- Higher alpha-tocopherol intake from infant formulas may explain elevated levels in infants.
Abstract:
To determine the normal range of platelet tocopherol concentrations in childhood, 158 healthy children, 3 months to 15 years old, including 81 males and 77 females were examined and this population was compared with adults. In children, the mean platelet tocopherol concentration was 0.17 micrograms/mg protein, ranging from 0.07 to 0.39 micrograms/mg protein, with a nearly logarithmic distribution. Levels of less than 0.10 micrograms/mg protein were found in only 4 of the 158 subjects. This level may be too low in platelet concentrations for this population of children. Platelet and plasma tocopherol concentrations, and the ratio of plasma tocopherol to total lipids (tocopherol/lipid ratio) in children, excluding the infant group of less than 1 year old, were lower than those in adults. The findings from this population were quite consistent with those of a population previously investigated, with respect to the distribution of plasma and RBC tocopherol concentrations and the tocopherol/lipid ratio. The tocopherol concentrations in plasma, RBCs, and platelets in the infant group were higher than those in the other children's groups (more than 1 year old), and those concentrations were comparable to the adult ones. This may reflect the higher intake of alpha-tocopherol from the prepared formulas containing more than 1,000 micrograms/dl.