1. Serum carotene concentrations in normal infants and children
- Author
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Leung, Alexander K.C., Siu, T. Oswald, Chiu, Anthony S.K., Robson, Wm. Lane M., and Larsen, Trygve E.
- Subjects
Vitamin A -- Research ,blood -- analysis and chemistry ,Carotenes -- Measurement ,Carotenes -- Physiological aspects ,Health - Abstract
To learn more concerning normal concentrations of carotene, the substance from which vitamin A is manufactured, in the blood of children of different ages, levels were measured in blood samples from 444 healthy Canadian children (246 males). The results are presented in tabular form. Sex differences were seen only in infants between the ages of 7 and 12 months, among whom girls' levels were higher than boys'. In general, carotene levels were low during the first six months of life, and breast feeding was associated with higher levels than bottle feeding during the first three months. Carotene concentrations increased between months 7 and 12 (possibly due to the introduction into the diet of carotene-rich foods) to the highest level of the ages studied, then fell again until the age of 2 years. Steady increases in blood carotene levels were then seen until the age of 7, with slight decreases thereafter until the age of 18. Carotene levels are low when fat absorption (digestion) is impaired. Concentrations may be high in people with diabetes, reduced thyroid activity (hypothyroidism), endocrine disorders, liver or kidney disease, and other conditions. Knowledge regarding the normal ranges of carotene concentrations at different ages is important for diagnosing malabsorption in pediatric patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
- Published
- 1990