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[Serum levels of vitamin A and their relation with acute and persistent diarrhea]
A M Francisco Pérez1, E González Sagaro, T Arbelo Fragoso
1Instituto Superior de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana, Cuba.
Insights
Vitamin A deficiency is a significant risk factor for persistent diarrhea in infants. This study highlights the importance of vitamin A status in preventing severe diarrheal diseases in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Context:
- Infants under one year old admitted to the hospital between January 1991 and April 1992.
- Study included 75 infants divided into three groups: controls, acute diarrhea, and persistent diarrhea.
- Serological status of vitamin A was assessed and categorized.
Purpose:
- To investigate the association between vitamin A status and the severity of diarrhea in infants.
- To determine if vitamin A deficiency poses a risk for developing persistent diarrhea.
Summary:
- Vitamin A levels were evaluated in 75 infants with varying degrees of diarrhea.
- A significant correlation was found between low vitamin A levels and persistent diarrhea.
- Vitamin A deficiency was identified as a risk factor for persistent diarrhea in this cohort.
Impact:
- Findings underscore the critical role of adequate vitamin A intake in preventing severe diarrheal illness in infants.
- Highlights the need for monitoring and addressing vitamin A deficiency in pediatric populations, particularly those with gastrointestinal issues.
- Informs public health strategies for managing malnutrition and diarrheal diseases in young children.
Abstract:
75 patients, less than one year old, admitted in our Hospital, from January 1991 to april 1992 were divided in three groups: Group I: 25 controls, group II 25 patients with acute diarrhoea and group III 25 patients with persistent diarrhoea. The serological status of vitamin A was evaluated and classified as normal, not severe deficiency and severe deficiency. It was demonstrated that vitamin A deficiency is a risk factor for persistent diarrhoea.