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Vitamin A and beta carotene levels in constitutional delay of growth and puberty
A Büyükgebiz1, E Böber, B Büyükgebiz
1Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Dokuz Eylül, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
Insights
Children with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) may have lower vitamin A (vit A) levels. This study found lower serum vit A in CDGP children compared to healthy controls, suggesting a potential role for vit A deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) is a common condition in children.
- Nutritional status, particularly vitamin A, may influence growth and pubertal development.
- Understanding vitamin A status in CDGP is crucial for identifying potential contributing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the vitamin A (vit A) status and beta-carotene levels in children diagnosed with CDGP.
- To compare these levels with those of age-matched healthy children.
- To explore the potential role of vitamin A deficiency in the pathogenesis of CDGP.
Main Methods:
- Serum vitamin A and beta-carotene levels were measured in 26 children with CDGP.
- A control group of 20 healthy children with normal pubertal development was included for comparison.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare biochemical and anthropometric data between groups.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in chronological age, weight-for-height indices, or beta-carotene levels between the CDGP and control groups.
- Height Standard Deviation Scores (SDS) were significantly lower in the CDGP group.
- Serum vitamin A levels were significantly lower in children with CDGP compared to controls, although both groups had levels within WHO-defined normal limits.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin A deficiency may be a contributing factor to constitutional delay of growth and puberty, particularly in developing countries.
- Lower serum vitamin A levels in CDGP children warrant further investigation.
- Nutritional interventions targeting vitamin A may be beneficial for children with CDGP.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate the vitamin A (vit A) status and beta carotene levels of children with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP). Serum vit A and beta-carotene levels of 26 children with CDGP were measured. 20 age-matched healthy children with normal pubertal development served as controls. Except for the height SDS, which was significantly lower in the CDGP group (p < 0.05), no significant differences were found between chronological ages, weight for height indices and beta-carotene levels of the two groups (p > 0.05). Although serum vit A levels of children in both groups were within normal limits according to WHO criteria, serum vit A levels were significantly lower in the CDGP group than in controls (44.13 +/- 12.25 and 59.60 +/- 19.75 micrograms/dl respectively, p < 0.05). It was concluded that vit A deficiency may play a role in CDGP in developing countries.