Levels of retinol (vitamin A), carotenoids and triglycerides in the serum of 50 children with homozygous β-thalassemia have been studied, as well as the ability of the small intestine to absorb a test meal containing retinol palmitate, triglyceride, d-xylose and glucose. On the other hand, 8 patients underwent a dark-adaptation test, and in 40 children with homozygous β-thalassemia the levels of retinol-binding protein in the serum were estimated. The mean levels of retinol, carotenoids and triglycerides in the serum of the patients were: 23 ± 4.1 μg/dl (controls: 36.3 ± 4.9), 44 ± 15.5 μg/dl (controls: 103 ± 24), 117 ± 20 (controls: 126 ± 26), respectively. The absorption from the small intestine of retinol, triglycerides, glucose and d-xylose was normal. 6 out of 8 patients studied for visual function showed an abnormal dark-adaptation test, and these 6 children had low serum retinol levels. Finally, the mean serum levels of retinol-binding protein in the patients were 4.74 ± 0.53 mg/dl (controls: 5.63 ± 0.58). The low retinol levels were correlated with the low retinol-binding protein values which, in turn, could be due to the abnormal liver function of the patients.
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