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Differences in cord serum retinol concentrations by ethnic origin in the Negev (southern Israel)
R Gorodischer1, B Sarov, E Gazala
1Department of Pediatrics, Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Insights
Subclinical vitamin A deficiency is prevalent in Southern Israel, especially among Bedouin newborns. Lower birth weight and shorter gestation were linked to lower cord serum retinol levels in healthy infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Public Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Subclinical vitamin A deficiency poses risks to infant health.
- Traditional Bedouin diets in Southern Israel are noted for low vitamin A content.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cord serum retinol concentrations in healthy neonates in Southern Israel.
- To identify ethnic and demographic factors associated with vitamin A status in newborns.
Main Methods:
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure cord serum retinol.
- 251 healthy neonates (138 Jewish, 113 Bedouin) were analyzed.
- Data on birth weight and gestational age were collected.
Main Results:
- 14% of infants had retinol levels below 15 micrograms/dl.
- Bedouin newborns showed a significantly higher prevalence (26%) of low retinol compared to Jewish newborns (7%).
- Low cord serum retinol was more common in infants with lower birth weight and shorter gestational age.
Conclusions:
- Low cord serum retinol is prevalent in Southern Israel, particularly among Bedouin infants.
- Infant birth weight and gestational age are associated with cord serum retinol levels.
- Findings highlight the need for nutritional interventions in vulnerable infant populations.
Abstract:
Subclinical vitamin A deficiency is related to increased morbidity and mortality in infants and children. Previous studies indicate that the traditional diet of Moslem Bedouins, an important ethnic group in Southern Israel, is low in vitamin A content. Cord serum retinol (vitamin A) concentration was measured by HPLC in samples from 251 apparently healthy (birth weight > 2500 g, gestational age > 37 weeks) neonates with no abnormal perinatal events, 138 Jews and 113 Bedouins. Retinol < 15 micrograms/dl was measured in a total of 14% of infants: in 7% of Jewish and 26% of Bedouin newborns (P < 0.001). However, mean cord serum retinol was only slightly lower in Bedouins than in Jews (30 +/- 26 vs. 37 +/- 27 micrograms/dl mean +/- S.D., n.s.). Cord serum retinol was not related to socioeconomic indices. Cord serum retinol < 15 micrograms/dl was measured in 25% and in 12% of infants with birth weight less than and equal or greater than 3000 g, respectively (P = 0.01), and in 28% and 13% of infants with gestational age 37-38 weeks and 39-41 weeks, respectively (P = 0.03). Low cord serum retinol was found to be prevalent in Southern Israel, particularly in Bedouin infants. In the population of healthy neonates studied, very low cord serum retinol concentrations were found more frequently in infants born with a lower weight and/or after a shorter gestation.