OBJECTIVE:To estimate the prevalence of vitamin A defi ciency and its associated factors in children. METHODS:A cross-sectional population-based study, involving 1,211 children of both sexes, aged between six and 59 months old, was carried out in the urban zone of 9 cities in the state of Paraiba, Northeastern Brazil. Vitamin A status was assessed by serum retinol levels (high performance liquid chromatography -HPLC) and subclinical infection was assessed by C-reactive protein concentrations. Socioeconomic, demographic and sanitation conditions, as well as vitamin A supplement intake, were also evaluated. Children with serum retinol concentrations RESULTS:The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was 21.8% (95%CI 19.6;24.2), showing an association with subclinical infection and lack of indoor plumbing. The prevalence of vitamin A defi ciency was 21.8% (95%CI 19.6;24.2). After adjustment, vitamin A defi ciency was found to be linked with subclinical infection and lack of indoor plumbing. Vitamin A defi ciency was four times higher (CI95% 1.49;10.16) in children with subclinical infection whose homes were without indoor plumbing, compared to children who were not infected and with indoor plumbing in their homes. CONCLUSIONS:Despite activities aimed at the prevention and control of vitamin A defi ciency, hypovitaminosis A, remains a public health concern among children under fi ve.

200 mg/dL). Elas foram tratadas diariamente com 30 g da farinha da casca de maracujá por 60 dias. Após esse tempo foi observada uma redução estatisticamente significante (p < 0,05) nos níveis colesterol total (p = 0,00000) e colesterol LDL (p = 0,01193). Os resultados sugerem que a farinha da casca de maracujá seja utilizada na alimentação humana, juntamente com os alimentos, ou como matéria prima na produção de outros produtos, com o objetivo de reduzir o colesterol.]]>

BackgroundA study with the yellow passion fruit peel flour showed positive action in blood glucose control as therapies’ adjuvant in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, we evaluated its effect on insulin sensitivity since there is a quest for studies that focus at better understanding of insulin resistance aspects in diabetic patients. Furthermore its relationship with chronic complications can also give good prospects for alternative treatments.MethodsA total of 43 type 2 diabetes volunteers (28 females and 15 males) ingested 30 g/day of the yellow passion fruit peel flour for two months. The levels of blood glucose and fasting insulin, HOMA index and glycated hemoglobin were measured for each patient before and after dietary supplementation.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the fasting blood glucose values (P = 0.000) and glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.032) after supplementation. It was also seen a reduction in HOMA IR (P = 0.005) in the supplemented group, however it was not observed changes in insulin values for females. HOMA beta (P = 0.000) showed significant increase in its values for the studied group.ConclusionsThe supplementation used decreased insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients, suggesting a positive action in blood glucose control as adjuvant therapy in conventional treatments.

RESUMO: A suplementação da dieta com fi bras solúveis pode ser considerada uma importante medida terapêutica no tratamento de pacientes diabéticos e obesos. Para avaliar o efeito da farinha da casca de maracujá amarelo rica em pectina, foi realizado um ensaio clínico fase II com 43 pacientes portadores de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. Estes receberam diariamente 30 g do produto testado durante 60 dias. Observou-se diferença estatística signifi cante na glicemia de jejum (p = 0,000) acompanhada pela redução nos valores médios da hemoglobina glicada (p = 0,032). Em relação ao perfi l lipídico, não foi verifi cado redução dos níveis de colesterol total e colesterol LDL nos pacientes ao longo deste estudo; entretanto, houve redução nos níveis de Triglicerídeos e aumento do colesterol HDL nos mesmos. Os níveis glicêmicos apresentados pelos pacientes antes e após o uso da farinha da casca do maracujá são compatíveis com uma ação positiva no controle da glicemia como adjuvante das terapias convencionais. Unitermos:Passifl ora edulis, Passifl oracea, pectina, diabetes, atividade hipoglicemiante, produtos naturais.ABSTRACT: "Effect of the fl our of the yellow passion fruit peel (Passifl ora edulis f. fl avicarpa Deg.) in the glycemic and lipid levels of type 2 diabetes patients". The supplementation of diet with soluble dietary fi ber can be considered an important therapy measure in the treatment of diabetic and obese patients. In order to evaluate the effect of the fl our of the yellow passion fruit peel which is rich in pectin, a phase II clinical trial with 43 patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was performed. They received daily 30 g of the tested product for 60 days. Statistically signifi cant difference was observed in fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.000) accompanied by a reduction in the average values of glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.032). In relation to the lipid profi le, there were no reduced levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in patients during this study; however, there were reduction in the levels of Triglycerides and increase in HDL cholesterol in them. The glycemic levels presented by the patients before and after the use of the passion fruit peel fl our are compatible to a positive action to control blood glucose as an adjunct of conventional therapies. Keywords:Passifl ora edulis, Passifl oracea, pectin, diabetes, hypoglycemic activity, natural products. INTRODUÇÃOO Diabetes Mellitus (DM) constitui um grave problema de saúde pública por sua alta prevalência na população, suas complicações crônicas, mortalidade, altos custos fi nanceiros e sociais envolvidos no tratamento e deterioração signifi cativa da qualidade de vida.Em países, como o Brasil, está previsto aumento na prevalência de DM de 170% no período de 1995de a 2025de (King et al., 1998Narayan et al., 2000;Figueiredo & Modesto-Filho, 2008). Mesmo em países desenvolvidos, apesar dos avanços científi cos e o acesso fácil a cuidados contínuos de saúde, a prevalência do diabetes está aumentando e intervenções com a fi nalidade de prev...

Seguridad alimentaria, crecimiento y niveles de vitamina A, hemoglobina y zinc en niños preescolares del nordeste de BrasilFood security, growth and vitamin A, hemoglobin and zinc levels of preschool children in the northeast of Brazil

No abstract

Resumo Objetivou-se verificar as diferenças no estado nutricional de micronutrientes de crianças segundo as características pessoais e das creches, além de testar o comportamento dessas diferenças de acordo com o crescimento linear. Estudo transversal com 271 crianças assistidas em creches. As concentrações médias (± EP) de hemoglobina, de zinco no soro e de retinol no soro foram de 11,79 g/dL (± 1,08), 81,58 µg/dL (± 16,56) e 1,68 μmol/L (± 0,45), respectivamente, valores inferiores nas crianças de 9-24 meses e naquelas que estudavam em salas de área inadequadas. Crianças com eosinofilia e em regime parcial apresentaram concentrações médias de hemoglobina e de zinco estatisticamente inferiores. O poliparasitismo esteve associado a baixas concentrações de hemoglobina e de retinol. De acordo com o crescimento linear, crianças com condições específicas (meninas, mais de 24 meses de idade, de zona urbana, não poliparasitadas) tiveram concentrações de zinco inferiores, quando diagnosticadas com déficit de estatura, em relação às eutróficas. Conclui-se que as crianças estudadas apresentaram diferenças no estado nutricional de micronutrientes influenciadas por processos parasitários e por problemas estruturais das creches. Além disso, estabeleceram diferenças relacionadas ao crescimento linear da criança.

Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl. (Menispermaceae) has been investigated about its botanical, chemical, pharmacological and toxicological aspects in our laboratory. Previous acute toxicology studies demonstrated that in dogs as well as in Wistar rats, 5 g/kg, p.o., and 2 g/kg, i.p. of the aqueous fraction of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Cissampelos sympodialis (AFL), induced a significant increase in the phosphatase alkaline and gama glutamil tranferase (GGT) levels, that were completely reversed in 15 days after interruption of AFL treatment. The aim of the present work was to investigate the subacute toxicology effects induced by AFL in dogs. We used the methods proposed by Portaria 116/96 of the Secretaria Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, which regulates studies of toxicity for phytomedicines in Brazil. Daily administration (p.o.) of AFL, 45 mg/kg/day (5 times the dose used by human beings), during 4 weeks, was devoid of any effect on haematological (haemogram and platelets) and on blood biochemical parametes. In conclusion, the present study, using dogs, demonstrated that AFL, in a popularly used dose, by human beings, was devoid of any toxicological effect.Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl. (Menispermaceae) a creeper plant which grows abundantly in northeaster Brazil, has been investigated about its botanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects in our laboratory. The therapeutic use of the water infusion of its root include the treatment of the diseases of the respiratory system (asthma, bronchits).Previous studies, demonstrated that the aqueous fraction of the ethanol extract of the leaves (AFL) of Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl., a plant popularly used for asthma in Brazil, presented a tracheal smooth muscle relaxant activity in rats and an increase of the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in guinea-pig alveolar leukocytes 1,2,3 . In Wistar rats, daily administration for 4 weeks (subchonic studies), in dose 9 mg/kg p.o (a dose popularly used by human beings) AFL was devoid of any toxicological effect. Nevertheless, at higher doses (45 and 225 mg/kg, p.o), AFL induced a significant increase in AST and a globulin levels. The increase in AST levels was completely reversed in 15 and 30 days after interruption of AFL treatment (45 and 225 mg/kg, respectely) 4,5 . The aim of the present work was realized to investigate the subchronic toxicology effects induced by AFL in dogs. Material and MethodsCissampelos sympodialis EICHL was collected from the botanical garden at the Laboratorio de Tecnologia Farmacêutica (LTF), UFPB, and was identified by the botany department of the Federal University of Paraíba where the voucher specimens are deposited (code Agra 1456). We used the methods proposed by the edict number 116/96" of the "Secretaria Nacional de Vigilância Sanitaria" 6 , which regulates studies of toxicity for phytomedicines in Brazil.The leaves were dried at 35 o C in an oven and pulverized. The powder was extractec with 50% ethanol in water and the resultant hydroalcoholic extract was ...