Epidemiological studies have shown that unfavorable serum lipids levels in childhood are predictors of development of atherosclerosis lesions in adulthood. We assessed the lipid profile of 297 Venezuelan preschool children (4-7 years old) from two socioeconomic levels in order to compare them by this characteristic. Their social level was determined according to modified Graffar method, and two groups were obtained: high socioeconomic status (HSES, n=103) and low socioeconomic status (LSES, n=194). Nutritional anthropometric evaluation was performed by weight to height, and NCHS/OMS cut-off point was used. Lipid profile was determined by colorimetric biochemical methods and atherogenic risks factors were calculated. Underweight for HSES was 5.8% and for LSES: 14.9%, while normal status was 78.6% and 70.1%, and overweight was 15.5% and 14.9%, respectively. Mean values for triglycerides were 0.66 +/- 0.27and 0.76 +/- 0.31 mmol/L, total cholesterol (TC): 3.61 +/- 0.65 and 2.98 +/- 0.71 mmol/L, HDL-C: 1.04 +/- 0.18 and 0.62 +/- 0.16 mmol/L, LDL-C: 2.27 +/- 0.61 and 2.01 +/- 0.71 mmol/L, TC/HDL-C: 3.5 +/- 0.78 and 5.0 +/- 1.5; LDL-C/HDL-C: 2.0 +/- 0.71 and 3.4 +/- 1.4 with significant differences between HSES and LSES as shown respectively. A significant association was found (p < 0.01) between lipid values and socioeconomic status, being the LSES preschoolers those with the higher atherogenic risk. Its pattern was of lower HDL-C levels, and higher TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. Comparisons of lipid profile by nutritional status or gender did not show significant differences. Findings indicate that children from low socioeconomic status are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis than children from high socioeconomic status.

Epidemiological studies have shown that unfavorable serum lipids levels in childhood are predictors of development of atherosclerosis lesions in adulthood. We assessed the lipid profile of 297 Venezuelan preschool children (4-7 years old) from two socioeconomic levels in order to compare them by this characteristic. Their social level was determined according to modified Graffar method, and two groups were obtained: high socioeconomic status (HSES, n=103) and low socioeconomic status (LSES, n=194). Nutritional anthropometric evaluation was performed by weight to height, and NCHS/OMS cut-off point was used. Lipid profile was determined by colorimetric biochemical methods and atherogenic risks factors were calculated. Underweight for HSES was 5.8% and for LSES: 14.9%, while normal status was 78.6% and 70.1%, and overweight was 15.5% and 14.9%, respectively. Mean values for triglycerides were 0.66′0.27and 0.76′0.31 mmol/L, total cholesterol (TC): 3.61′0.65 and 2.98′0.71 mmol/L, HDL-C: 1.04′0.18 and 0.62′0.16 mmol/L, LDL-C: 2.27′0.61 and 2.01′0.71 mmol/L, TC/HDL-C: 3.5′0.78 and 5.0′1.5; LDL-C/HDL-C: 2.0′0.71 and 3.4′1.4 with significant differences between HSES and LSES as shown respectively. A significant association was found (p<0,01) between lipid values and socioeconomic status, being the LSES preschoolers those with the higher atherogenic risk. Its pattern was of lower HDL-C levels, and higher TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. Comparisons of lipid profile by nutritional status or gender did not show significant differences. Findings indicate that children from low socioeconomic status are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis than children from high socioeconomic status.

Estudios epidemiológicos han demostrado que, niveles desfavorables de lípidos séricos en la infancia son predictores del desarrollo de lesiones en la adultez. Se evaluó el perfil lipídico de 297 preescolares venezolanos (4-7 años) para establecer comparaciones según el nivel socioeconómico (NSE), medido por Graffar modificado. Se hicieron dos grupos: NSE alto (n=103) y NSE bajo (n=194). El estado nutricional antropométrico se evaluó mediante el indicador peso/talla (P/T), adoptando los puntos de corte del NCHS/OMS. El perfil lipídico se determinó por métodos bioquímicos colorimétricos y se calcularon las relaciones de riesgo aterogénico. Según el estado nutricional se encontró 5,8% y 14,9% de déficit; 78,6% y 70,1% de normalidad; 15,5% y 14,9% de exceso en el NSE alto y el NSE bajo, respectivamente. Los valores promedio del perfil lipídico fueron: Triglicéridos (TG): 0,66± 0,27 y 0,76± 0,31 mmol/L, Colesterol Total (CT): 3,61± 0,65 y 2,98± 0,71 mmol/L, HDL-C: 1,04± 0,18 y 0,62± 0,16 mmol/L, LDL-C: 2,27± 0,61 y 2,01± 0,71 mmol/L, CT/HDL-C: 3,5± 0,78 y 5,0± 1,5. LDL-C/HDL-C: 2,0± 0,71 y 3,4± 1,4; con diferencias significativas entre los grupos en NSE alto y bajo, respectivamente. Se encontró asociación significativa (p<0,01) entre el perfil lipídico y el nivel socioeconómico, observándose en los preescolares del NSE bajo mayor riesgo aterogénico que los del NSE alto, reflejado por valores más bajos de HDL-C y elevados de CT/HDL-C y LDL-C/HDL-C. No hubo diferencia entre el perfil lipídico con respecto al estado nutricional y al sexo. Se concluye que el patrón lipídico observado en los preescolares de nivel socioeconómico bajo es un factor de riesgo para enfermedades cardiovasculares.Epidemiological studies have shown that unfavorable serum lipids levels in childhood are predictors of development of atherosclerosis lesions in adulthood. We assessed the lipid profile of 297 Venezuelan preschool children (4-7 years old) from two socioeconomic levels in order to compare them by this characteristic. Their social level was determined according to modified Graffar method, and two groups were obtained: high socioeconomic status (HSES, n=103) and low socioeconomic status (LSES, n=194). Nutritional anthropometric evaluation was performed by weight to height, and NCHS/OMS cut-off point was used. Lipid profile was determined by colorimetric biochemical methods and atherogenic risks factors were calculated. Underweight for HSES was 5.8% and for LSES: 14.9%, while normal status was 78.6% and 70.1%, and overweight was 15.5% and 14.9%, respectively. Mean values for triglycerides were 0.66± 0.27and 0.76± 0.31 mmol/L, total cholesterol (TC): 3.61± 0.65 and 2.98± 0.71 mmol/L, HDL-C: 1.04± 0.18 and 0.62± 0.16 mmol/L, LDL-C: 2.27± 0.61 and 2.01± 0.71 mmol/L, TC/HDL-C: 3.5± 0.78 and 5.0± 1.5; LDL-C/HDL-C: 2.0± 0.71 and 3.4± 1.4 with significant differences between HSES and LSES as shown respectively. A significant association was found (p<0,01) between lipid values and socioeconomic status, being the LSES preschoolers those with the higher atherogenic risk. Its pattern was of lower HDL-C levels, and higher TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. Comparisons of lipid profile by nutritional status or gender did not show significant differences. Findings indicate that children from low socioeconomic status are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis than children from high socioeconomic status.

La leptina está íntimamente relacionada con la obesidad y sus complicaciones. Para determinar los niveles de esta hormona en niños y adolescentes, y su asociación con edad, género, nivel socioeconómico, estado nutricional antropométrico y consumo dietario, se evaluaron 166 niños y adolescentes (91 eutróficos y 75 obesos, edades 2-15 años), de bajo nivel socio-económico. Se realizó valoración socioeconómica (Grafffar-Méndez C método), dietaria (recordatorio 24 horas), nutricional antropométrica y de laboratorio (leptina por ELISA). Se definió eutrófico por peso para la talla (P/T) o índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el área grasa entre percentil 10 y 90, y obesidad cuando eran superiores al percentil 90. La hormona fue significativamente mayor en los obesos que en los eutróficos, sin diferencias por género o edad. La distribución percentilar mostró el percentil 90 para la leptina en 11,53 µg/L en eutróficos y 24,29 µg/L en obesos. Hubo tendencia a correlación inversa entre leptina sérica y aporte de grasas y relación cintura/muslo (RCM). El consumo excesivo de grasas se asoció a la disminución de la leptina sérica. Los resultados sugieren que los niños y adolescentes obesos presentaron resistencia a la leptina, independiente mente de su edad o genero. Se recomienda establecer programas de educación nutricional que incluyan evitar el elevado consumo dietario de grasas para prevenir y controlar la obesidad infantil.. Leptin is closely related to obesity and its complications. In order to determine serum levels of this hormone in children and adolescents, and its associations to age, gender, socioeconomic status, nutritional anthropometrical status and dietary intake, 166 children and adolescents (91 normal and 75 obese, aged 2 to 15 years), from low socioeconomic status were assessed. A socioeconomic evaluation (Grafffar-Mendez C method), dietary intake (24 hour recalls), anthropometrical assessment and leptin by ELISA were performed. Normal or eutrophic was defined as weight for height (W/H) or Body mass index (BMI) and fatty area between 10th and 90th percentile. Obesity when indicators were over 90th percentile. Leptin was significantly higher in obese than in normal, without differences by gender or age. Leptin percentile distribution showed 11,53 µg/L and 24,29 µg/L as 90th percentile for normal and obese children, respectively. There was a tendency to inverse correlation among leptin, fat dietary intake and waist-thigh ratio. Excessive fat intake was associated to lower serum leptin. Results suggest that obese children had leptin resistance, independently of age and gender. It is recommended to develop nutritional education programs regarding obesity and dietary intake in order to prevent and control infantile obesity.

La insulina esta intimamente relacionada con la obesidad y sus complicaciones. Para determinar los niveles de esta hormona en ninos y adolescentes, y su asociacion con edad, genero, estado nutricional antropometrico y consumo dietario, se evaluaron 124 ninos y adolescentes (68 eutroficos y 56 obesos, edades 2-15 anos). Se realizo valoracion socioeconomica (Graffar-Mendez C), dietaria (recordatorios 24 horas), nutricional antropometrica y de laboratorio (insulina por ELISA). Se definio eutrofico por peso para la talla (P/T) o indice de masa corporal (IMC) y el area grasa entre percentil 10 y 90, y obesidad cuando eran superiores al percentil 90, asi mismo, con el objeto de evaluar la distribucion de la grasa corporal se determino la relacion cintura/muslo (RCM). La hormona fue significativamente mayor en los obesos que en los eutroficos, y en los adolescentes (10 a 15 anos) que en los de menor edad (2 a 6 anos), pero sin diferencias significativas por genero. Se establecio la distribucion percentilar para insulina, siendo el percentil 75 de 9,17 µIU/ml en eutroficos y 16,63 µIU/ml en obesos. La insulina presento asociacion directa significativa con el consumo proteico e inversa significativa con la RCM. El consumo excesivo de proteinas se asocio a una elevacion de la insulina serica. Los resultados sugieren que los ninos y adolescentes obesos presentaron resistencia a la insulina. Se recomienda establecer programas de educacion nutricional que incluyan evitar el elevado consumo dietario de proteinas para prevenir y controlar la obesidad infantil(AU)

In searching for an explanation for the rapid response to iron-fortification programmes, we focused on the interaction of vitamin A and inhibitors of iron absorption from a basal breakfast containing bread from either pre-cooked maize flour or wheat flour plus cheese and margarine. These breads were labeled with either 59Fe or 55Fe. These experiments demonstrated that vitamin A prevented the inhibiting effect of polyphenols and phytates on iron absorption. It was also demonstrated that vitamin A had the same effect on iron absorption as phytase.

After the rapid decrease in the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia in the Venezuelan population when a national program for fortification of flours with iron and vitamins was instituted, we studied micronutrient interactions in Venezuelan diets. One hundred human adults were fed three cereal-based diets, labelled with either 59Fe or 55Fe in six studies. Each diet contained different concentrations of vitamin A (from 0.37 to 2.78 micromol/100 g cereal) or beta-carotene (from 0.58 to 2.06 micromol/100 g cereal). The presence of vitamin A increased iron absorption up to twofold for rice, 0.8-fold for wheat and 1.4-fold for corn. beta-carotene increased absorption more than threefold for rice and 1.8-fold for wheat and corn, suggesting that both compounds prevented the inhibitory effect of phytates on iron absorption. Increasing the doses of vitamin A or beta-carotene did not further significantly increase iron absorption. We measured the iron remaining in solution performing in vitro studies in which the pH of solutions was adjusted from 2 to 6 in the presence of vitamin A or beta-carotene. All of the iron from ferrous fumarate was soluble after changing the pH of the solution containing 3.4 micromol of beta-carotene to 6.0. Vitamin A was less effective. However, 78 +/- 18% of iron was soluble in the presence of 3.3 micromol of vitamin A, whereas with no vitamin addition, only 26 +/- 13% of iron was soluble (<0.05). Vitamin A and beta-carotene may form a complex with iron, keeping it soluble in the intestinal lumen and preventing the inhibitory effect of phytates and polyphenols on iron absorption.