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Interrelationship between vitamins E and A: a clinical study
Insights
Vitamin E supplementation significantly boosted plasma vitamin A levels in children, even those with vitamin A deficiency. This study highlights a potential therapeutic role for vitamin E in managing vitamin A status.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Plasma vitamin A and E levels are crucial indicators of nutritional status in children.
- Vitamin A deficiency is a significant global health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
- The interaction between vitamin E and vitamin A metabolism requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of vitamin E supplementation on plasma vitamin A and E concentrations in children.
- To determine if vitamin E influences plasma vitamin A levels in both normal and vitamin A-deficient children.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 45 children.
- Intervention group received 100 mg of vitamin E daily for two weeks.
- Control group received a placebo.
- Plasma levels of vitamin A and E were measured before and after the intervention period.
Main Results:
- Baseline mean plasma vitamin E was 694 µg/dl and vitamin A was 21 µg/dl.
- No correlation was observed between baseline plasma levels of vitamin A and E.
- Vitamin E supplementation led to a significant increase in plasma vitamin A in both normal and deficient children.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin E supplementation can enhance plasma vitamin A concentrations in children.
- This finding suggests a potential mechanism for improving vitamin A status through vitamin E intervention.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of this interaction.
Abstract:
Plasma vitamin A and vitamin E levels were determined in 45 children. Seven normal children and 7 children with vitamin A deficiency were given daily supplements of 100 mg vitamin E for two weeks. Seven others received a placebo and served as controls. The mean levels of plasma vitamin E and A were 694 microgram/dl and 21 microgram/dl respectively. There was no correlation between plasma levels of the two vitamins. Administration of vitamin E resulted in a significant increase in plasma vitamin A concentration both in normal children and in those with vitamin A deficiency, while there was no change in the control group.