Prevalence of nutritional deficiencies in Mexican adolescent women with early and late prenatal care

The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of specific nutritional deficiencies in a group of pregnant adolescents according to the gestational age when they started to receive prenatal care. A group of 163 pregnant adolescents that attended the Instituto Nacional de Perinatología (Mexico City) for the first time to receive prenatal care was evaluated. An anthropometrical evaluation was performed and a blood sample taken to determine hemoglobin, ferritin, erythrocyte folate and plasma zinc to all cases. The mean age was 15 years (11 to 17 years). The mean gestational age when starting prenatal care was 27 +/- 7 gestation weeks and most of them tended to have low weight (97 +/- 12% expected weight for height and gestational age). Eight of every ten adolescents had anemia and iron deficiency. Late prenatal care (> or = 25 weeks) was associated with the risk of presenting anemia OR 5.11 (CI 95% 2.4-10.7) iron deficiency (OR 3.5; CI 95% 1.7 to 7.1) and zinc deficiency (OR 2.9; CI 95% 1.1 a 7.6). In relation to folate deficiency, the opposite effect was observed (OR 0.10; CI 95% 0.02 a 0.48). Lack of opportune prenatal care was associated with the presence of iron and zinc depletion. Probably iron deficiency contributes to an erythrocyte folate accumulation.     

Nutritional anemia in nursing women in Costa Rica

It is reported the prevalence, magnitude and determinant factors of nutritional anaemia in a sample of nursing women (NW), collected during the National Nutrition Survey, of Costa Rica done in 1996. Nutritional anaemia was determinate through measurements of haemoglobin, and plasma ferritin, folates, cianocobalamin and retinol. Methodologies used were cianometahaemoglobin, solid phase immunoradiometric assay, solid phase radioimmunoassay and high-pressure liquid chromatography. WHO cut-off points were used. Anaemia was present in 22.1% of the women. Iron and folate deficiency were found in 48.7 and 84.2% NW, respectively. The magnitude of anaemia was mild and iron and folate deficiencies were severe. Vitamin B12 and A deficiencies were 5.3 and 4.9%, respectively and did not represent a public health problem in this group. Prevalent deficiency was mixed (iron and folates, 46.6%) followed by exclusive folates deficiency (32%). Anaemia was caused by a combined deficiency of iron and folates (61.1%) and most iron deficiencies were accompanied by folates (92%). The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that low socio-economic level of NW and their families was the principal factor determining the appearance of nutritional anaemia, and educative interventions to the mother are possibly recommended. In conclusion anaemia in NW is a moderate health problem of nutritional type, that is more important when severe folates and iron deficiencies are present in Costa Rica. These problems have remained constant throughout the last three decades; although recently, possibly an improvement has occurred because the prevalence of neural tube defects in the infant population has reduced, maybe due to food iron and folates fortification public health policies implementation.     

Serum 25(OH)D is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome risk profile among urban middle-aged Chinese population

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a variety of chronic metabolic diseases. Limited evidence regarding vitamin D deficiency exists within the Chinese population. The present study aims to examine the association between serum vitamin D concentrations and cardiometabolic risk factors in the young and middle-aged, urban Chinese population METHODS: The cross-sectional relationships between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and indices of adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors (e.g., body mass index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, etc.) were evaluated in 601 non-diabetic adults.ResultVitamin D deficiency or insufficiency was present in 66 % of the tested population, and serum 25(OH)D levels were lower in patients who were overweight/obese or suffered metabolic syndrome when compared to individuals of healthy weight without metabolic syndrome (24.08 +/- 8.08 vs 31.70 +/- 11.77 ng/ml, 21.52 +/- 6.9 vs 31.74 +/- 10.21 ng/ml respectively). 25(OH)D was inversely associated with waist circumference, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and it was positively associated with HDL-cholesterol in a multivariable-adjusted regression model. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is common in the young and middle-aged, urban Chinese population, with high prevalence in overweight/obese individuals and patients with metabolic syndrome. Low vitamin D concentration was associated with indices of adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the cause-effect relation between vitamin D status, obesity and related metabolic disorders.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials (ISRCTN21527585).     

几种猕猴桃中痕量元素铁和锌的测定

通过一系列实验对仪器的参数进行了优化,对样品的消解剂进行筛选,建立了测定猕猴桃中铁锌元素含量的微波消解-火焰原子吸收光度分析方法。为了验证该方法的可靠性,又进行了加标回收试验,方法的回收率在95%~107%之间。测定结果为猕猴桃样品的干重铁含量在55.3~117.5μg/g之间,湿重铁含量在8.17~20.5μg/g之间,干重锌含量在25.6~52.2μg/g之间,湿重锌含量在3.78~7.16μg/g之间。     

Effect of different sources of iron and sulphur on leaf chlorosis,nutrient uptake and yield of groundnut

The pot experiment conducted in calcareous soil of Saurashtra, India showed that application of lime (20% CaCO₃) and excess water (irrigation at –0.3 bar) to the soil enhanced chlorosis in groundnut leaves caused by induced deficiencies of iron, sulphur and zinc, which was recovered by applying agricultural grade chemicals containing iron, sulphur and zinc. This chlorosis caused 29.8 and 19.1% reduction in pod yield of groundnut due to lime and excess water, respectively in the untreated control pot and 17.1 and 9.6%, respectively in the pot treated with different chemicals.Application of iron sulphate, zinc sulphate, iron pyrite, gypsum, phospho-gypsum, elemental sulphur, wettable sulphur and Fe-EDTA decreased chlorosis and increased chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of leaves, uptake of Fe, S and Zn and pod yield of groundnut significantly. The foliar spray of 0.5% aqueous solution of iron sulphate, zinc sulphate and Fe-EDTA at 20, 35, 50 and 65 days after emergence (DAE) was more effective than their soil applications. The Fe-EDTA corrected only iron chlorosis, and gypsum, phosphogypsum and elemental sulphur only sulphur chlorosis. However, iron sulphate and iron pyrite corrected iron and sulphur and zinc sulphate corrected zinc and sulphur chlorosis. Among the soil amendments, application of iron sulphate and iron pyrite showed better responses to groundnut and showed higher Fe and S uptake than other treatments. The responses of gypsum, phosphogypsum and elemental sulphur were at par. The correlation study showed that pod yield of groundnut was negatively correlated with chlorosis and positively correlated with the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in groundnut leaves.     

Effect of germination on tannin,mineral, and trace element composition of groundnut varieties

Groundnut varieties were analyzed for their tannin, ionizable iron, soluble zinc, phytate phosphorus, total iron, total phosphorus, total zinc, copper, magnesium, and manganese contents in ungerminated seed and after 0, 24, 48, and 72 h of germination. Tannin content varied between 100 and 623 mg/100 g; ionizable iron ranged from 136–2178 μg/100 g; phytate phosphorus ranged from 415–655 mg/100 g; soluble zinc varied between 776 and 951 μg/100 g of kernels. Soaking groundnuts overnight in water resulted in a decrease in content of most of the minerals, trace elements, tannins, and soluble zinc. As the germination period increased from 0 to 24, 48, and 72 h, ionizable iron (50%) and soluble zinc (95%) increased substantially. Ionizable iron as percent of total iron increased from 10% in ungerminated kernels to 23% in 72-h germinated kernels. Soluble zinc as percent of total zinc also increased from 18% in ungerminated groundnuts to 31% in 72-h germinated ones. There was a negative correlation between tannin content and ionizable iron content of ungerminated and germinated kernels (r=−0.5203). Germination decreased the antinutritional factors, such as tannin, and increased the bioavailable forms of iron and zinc, namely ionizable iron and soluble zinc contents of groundnut kernels.     

The feeding of children in Latin America

Nutritional and dietary recommendations are given for infants, preschool and school children in Latin America, based on known and prevailing nutritional deficiencies, and on the prevention of degenerative diseases in adulthood. Special emphasis is placed on dietary iron and zinc deficiencies, as well as on the prevention of obesity and atherosclerosis, diseases which are seriously affecting medium and high socioeconomic levels of the Latin American population.     

Prevalence of anemia and deficiencies of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 in an indigenous community from the Venezuelan Amazon with a high incidence of malaria

The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of anemia and deficiencies of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 in Betania del Topocho, a Piaroa community from Estado Amazonas, Venezuela, a zone with a high incidence of malaria. The group studied included 184 subjects of all ages that assisted to the local health center for malaria diagnosis. Analysis performed included hematology by coulter counter, ferritin quantification by ELISA with monoclonal antibodies and folic acid and vitamin B12 determinations by an immunoradiometric assay. It was found that the prevalence of anemia was 89.6% and deficiencies of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 affected 37.1,70.3 and 12.4% of the population studied, respectively. Plasmodium infection was detected by molecular diagnosis in 53.2% of the cases, and 86% of them were anemic. The highest incidence of anemia was found in children, with a prevalence of 100% in infants of both sexes. The high prevalence of anemia, iron and folic acid deficiencies found, indicates an important health and nutrition problem that should be immediately and properly addressed. The number of cases of anemia due to iron deficiency could be underestimated, since ferritin concentration increased as a acute phase protein, although prevalence data was also analyzed with a cutoff point of 30 microg/L for ferritin concentration.     

Acceleration of zinc corrosion in alkaline suspensions containing iron oxides or iron hydroxides

Fast zinc dissolution is of industrial interest in recycling galvanised steel scraps. An acceleration of zinc corrosion in alkaline solutions was observed in the presence of various iron oxides or iron hydroxides. This corrosion was investigated by weight loss, measurements of hydrogen evolution and variation of current in a galvanic cell. The mechanism of this fast zinc corrosion was investigated by electrochemical means and by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy observations of zinc surface after immersion in alkaline suspensions of iron oxides or iron hydroxides. These insoluble iron compounds were involved in a reduction step leading to iron containing microparticles characterised by a low hydrogen overpotential and which acted as cathodic areas in a galvanic corrosion of zinc.     

Dietary evaluation of pregnant adolescents during first, second and third trimester

In order to identify risk of inadequate intake of calories and nutrients during pregnancy, 75 pregnant adolescents (14 to 18 years old) apparently healthy, from low socioeconomic level, in their first prenatal control (12 weeks) were studied by two 24 hour recalls and a food frequency questionnaire at each trimester. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (pregestation weight/height) and classified according to American Medicine Institute reference. Paired t-test, frequency distribution and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Low weight was found in 34.6% of adolescent at the first visit and 5.3% were overweight. Even though, caloric intake was below recommendation, significant increases were observed between first and second trimester for energy, carbohydrates, niacin and zinc (p < 0.001) and for fat, proteins, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin C, calcium and iron (p < 0.05). From second to third trimester, differences (p < 0.05) were significant only for vitamin A. Between first and third trimester, differences were significant (p < 0.05) for energy, proteins, carbohydrates, niacin, riboflavin, zinc and for thiamin, vitamin A and calcium (p < 0.05). A high proportion of pregnant adolescent did not reach recommendations for energy, folate, calcium and zinc. Food intake pattern did not change significantly among trimesters. Mean total weight gain was 9.2 kg and 0.412 +/- 0.4 g/week. Newborn's mean weight was 3.221 +/- 418 grams. It is concluded that adolescents are at high nutritional risk and deficiency of dietary intake should be followed. Attention should be addressed from the preconceptional period to postpartum in order to improve maternal and fetal conditions.     

Thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of vitamin E infused and blended ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylenes

Vitamin E (or α‐tocopherol) is an alternative via to thermal treatments to achieve oxidative stability of gamma or electron beam irradiated ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMWPE) used in total joint replacements. Our aim was to study the effects of vitamin E on the molecular dynamics and microstructural properties of UHMWPE. We hypothesized that the antioxidant would plasticize UHMWPE. Vitamin E was incorporated into UHMWPE at different concentrations by diffusion and blending and detected by ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopies from 500 ppm and 4000 ppm, respectively. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was used to characterize the influence of this antioxidant in the relaxations of the raw material. Differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy served to characterize thermal and microstructure properties, respectively. Vitamin E concentrations above 3% by weight significantly reduced the degree of crystallinity and increased the melting transition temperature of raw UHMWPE. The presence of increasing concentrations of α‐tocopherol introduced and/or strengthened the beta relaxation, which was also shifted toward gradually lower temperatures and had rising activation energies up to 188 kJ/mol. In addition, the gamma relaxation remained unaltered on vitamin E addition. Therefore, no plasticizing effects of vitamin E on the molecular dynamics of UHMWPE could be confirmed from mechanical spectroscopy data. However, the α relaxation was modified in intensity and location due to the changes in the degree of crystallinity introduced by the incorporation of vitamin E. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Neutral lipid transfer protein does not regulate α-tocopherol transfer between human plasma lipoproteins

Vitamin E has no known plasma carrier protein and is transported by plasma lipoproteins. The site of association of vitamin E in the lipoprotein particle and the mode of transfer of vitamin E between plasma lipoproteins have not been ascertained. Since neutral lipids (triglycerides and cholesterol esters) exchange between plasma lipoproteins by processes mediated by neutral lipid transfer protein, we questioned that if vitamin E, a hydrophobic molecule, is carried in the core of the lipoprotein particle then its transfer between plasma lipoproteins may be mediated by neutral lipid transfer protein. Transfer of D-α(5-methyl-³H)tocopherol from in vitro-labeled human plasma lipoprotein fractions to other plasma lipoproteins was measured under incubation conditions that were designed to yield markedly differing degrees of neutral lipid exchange. Despite the presence of the d>1.21 g/ml lipoprotein-poor plasma fraction or purified lipid transfer protein that resulted in up to a 10-fold increase in neutral lipid transfer, vitamin E transfer between very low density lipoproteins, low density and high density lipoproteins remained constant. Even excess amounts of lipid transfer protein, which caused triglyceride transfer between very low density and high density lipoproteins to reach saturation, failed to affect significantly vitamin E transfer. Vitamin E distribution between lipoprotein fractions did correlate with lipoprotein mass ratios. Vitamin E transfer was higher as the protein ratio of acceptor lipoproteins to donor lipoproteins increased. We conclude that vitamin E transfer between lipoproteins is not dependent primarily on neutral lipid transfer protein and is not mediated via neutral lipid transfer.     

Quality of the diet of women with severe and morbid obesity undergoing gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes of dietary intake and quality of the diet in patients undergoing gastric bypass and sleeve surgery. In 36 women with severe and morbid obesity it was assessed their nutrient intakes and dietary quality before and 6 months after bariatric surgery through three-day food records. Vitamin and mineral intakes from supplements were strictly controlled. Energy and nutrient intakes were significantly decreased 6 months after surgery bypass compared to the pre-surgery period with the exceptions of calcium and vitamin C. No differences were observed between groups. The Dietary quality index was also similar in both groups. Dietary intakes of calcium, iron, zinc, copper, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E were below 100% of adequacy from at the 6th month after the surgery. Nevertheless, by considering both diet and supplements supply, nutrient adequacy of all but calcium and folic acid was above 100% in both groups. Gastric bypass patients presented greater values. In conclusion, these patients present an important reduction of their energy and nutrient intakes, with no major impact of the type of surgery. Supplement characteristics are crucial to cover nutritional needs.     

The effect of modest vitamin E supplementation on lipid peroxidation products and other cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients

Among many factors, elevated lipids and lipid peroxide levels in blood are major risk factors in the development of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients. This study has examined whether oral supplementation of vitamin E, an antioxidant, has any effect on blood lipid peroxidation products (LP) and lipid profile of diabetic patients. Thirty-five diabetics(D) were supplemented withdl-α-tocopherol (E) capsule (orally, 100 IU/d) or placebo (P) for three months in double-blind clinical trials. Plasma E was analyzed by HPLC and LP by the thiobarbituric acid-reactivity; serum lipids by auto-analyzer. Data were analyzed using pairedt-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Vitamin E supplementation significantly lowered LP and lipid levels in diabetic patients; there were no differences in these parameters after P supplementation. There were no differences in the duration of diabetes and ages of D between P-and E-supplemented groups. This study suggests that vitamin E supplementation significantly lowers blood LP and lipid levels in diabetic patients.     

Vitamin E acetate addition to poly(d,l)lactic acid modifies its mechanical behavior without affecting biocompatibility

Mechanical properties of poly(d,l )lactic acid films enriched with Vitamin E and Vitamin E Acetate (5–40% w/w) were investigated. The addition of both formulations resulted in increased polymer Young's modulus and tensile strength. Human foreskin fibroblasts and murine pre‐osteoblasts were used to assess the biocompatibility of polymers. Pre‐osteoblasts adhesion and proliferation were strongly decreased by Vitamin E, whereas Vitamin E Acetate did not alter cell proliferation. Collagen deposition was lower onto Vitamin E blended polymers than onto native and Vitamin E Acetate blended ones. Fibroblasts adhesion and proliferation were increased by both Vitamin E and Vitamin E Acetate addition. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014 , 131, 39970.     

Iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies related to anemia in adolescents from a region with a high incidence of congenital malformations in Venezuela

Since in recent years for certain age groups, the main cause of anemia is not iron deficiency, we intended to study the effect of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies on anemia prevalence in adolescents from Venezuela. One hundred adolescents aged between 12 and 19 years participated in the study. Each subject was interviewed about antecedents and habits and a physical examination and a 24-hour food recall questionnaire were performed. From a blood sample, hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations were determined and serum was separated for quantification of ferritin, folic acid and vitamin B12 concentrations. Prevalence of anemia was 78% and for iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies were 34.66, 90.9 and 18.18%, respectively. From anemic cases, 35.89% presented iron deficiency, while 91.02% presented folic acid deficiency. Only 19.23% of adolescents with anemia presented also vitamin B12 deficiency, but all the cases with vitamin B12 deficiency, were anemic. Simultaneous iron and folic acid deficiencies affected 30.76% of anemic cases. The high prevalence of deficiencies found in this work could be explained by insufficient intake and inadequate food habits. The prevalence of anemia was associated to folic acid deficiency rather than to iron deficiency, due to the high prevalence of folic acid deficiency. The high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies found in this work, especially regarding folic acid deficiency, require immediate interventions.     

高温无铅仿古金属光泽釉的研制

以高岭土、长石、石英、磷酸钙、氧化锌、氧化铁等原料制备高温无铅仿古金属光泽釉。主要研究了釉料配方组成及烧成制度对釉面效果的影响。结果表明:当在基础釉中添加(wt.%)磷酸钙25,氧化锌2,氧化铁20,在烧成温度为1260℃、保温20min条件下,可获得釉面效果良好的红色仿古金属光泽釉。采用XRD、SEM等现代测试方法对釉层的显微结构和物相组成进行表征,揭示了釉面的呈色效果与配方组成和显微结构之间的关系。     

湛江海域6种经济海藻的营养成分分析

分析采自湛江海域的6种经济海藻的营养成分。除海蒿子外,碳水化合物是这些海藻的主要营养成分,平均为39.49%;粗蛋白含量4.08%~23.70%;粗脂肪含量最低,其中的4种皆不足藻体干重的0.5%;矿物质含量丰富,异枝麒麟菜的Fe,Mn,Zn的含量都较高,分别为261.20 mg/100g,62.27 mg/100g,206.10 mg/100g;氨基酸含量较高,均符合1973年联合国粮农组织/世界卫生组织（FAO/WHO）推荐的理想蛋白质模式;不少种类中镉、铅、砷等含量超出我国食品卫生标准。海藻体内的营养成分含量因海藻种类和生长海域的不同而有差异。