Vitamin E deficiency and associated neurological deficits in children with protein-energy malnutrition

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V Kalra1, J Grover, G K Ahuja

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|November 20, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin E deficiency is common in children with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), causing significant neurological problems. Supplementation may reverse these deficits, highlighting the importance of vitamin E for child development.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Vitamin E is crucial for neurological health.
  • Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a widespread condition affecting children globally.
  • Neurological complications are observed in malnourished populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of vitamin E deficiency in children with PEM.
  • To correlate vitamin E levels with neurological deficits in these children.
  • To assess the potential for neurological recovery with vitamin E supplementation.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 100 children with PEM and compared them to an age-matched control group.
  • Assessed neurological function, including posterior column and cerebellar deficits, and fine motor coordination.
  • Measured serum alpha-tocopherol levels and the tocopherol/total lipid ratio to assess vitamin E status.

Main Results:

  • Children with PEM exhibited significant posterior column deficits, cerebellar deficits, and impaired fine motor coordination.
  • Vitamin E deficiency, indicated by low serum alpha-tocopherol and low tocopherol/total lipid ratio, was present in 92% of PEM subjects.
  • A strong correlation was found between low vitamin E levels and the presence of neurological deficits.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin E deficiency is highly prevalent in children suffering from protein-energy malnutrition.
  • The observed neurological deficits in malnourished children are significantly linked to low vitamin E levels.
  • Vitamin E supplementation offers a potentially reversible treatment for these malnutrition-induced neurological issues.

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