[Aluminum content in individual components, used to prepare adult total parenteral nutrition mixtures in Argentine, and in comparison with international regulation]. / Contenido de aluminio en componentes individuales utilizados para preparar mezclas de nutrición parenteral en Argentina, y su comparación con la legislación internacional.

INTRODUCTION: Aluminum (Al) is a toxic element which may contaminate pharmaceutical products used as individual components to prepare total parenteral nutrition mixtures (TPN). OBJECTIVES: 1) to determine Al levels in the individual components used to prepare TPN mixtures; 2) to compare detected Al levels with those imposed by international regulations (FDA); 3) to calculate the total amount of Al administered to adult and children receiving those typical TPN mixtures. METHODS: Al was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma- Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) (Perkin Elmer OPTIMA 5100 DV) in 44 individual products, from different labs and lots, belonging to 16 components available in Argentina: dextrose and amino acids for adult formulas and for pediatric formulas: lípids; potassium chloride; sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate; sodium phosphate; calcium gluconate; sodium glycerophosphate, zinc sulfate; multitrace elements; steril water (ampoules and great volume presentations). RESULTS: Al levels were detected in 43 of the 44 the studied components, except sterile water. The components of large volume presented between 249 y 1,580 µg Al/ L, between 4 and 180 times FDA established levels (25 µg Al/ L). Small volume components presented Al levels between 85 y 4,909 g/ L, not declared in labels. CONCLUSIONS: The highest amounts of Al were detected in calcium gluconate, sodium phosphate and multitrace elements. 2) Usually prescribed TPN mixtures would have higher Al levels than those accepted by FDA regulation; 3) The highest aluminum concentration was provided by dextrose, amino acids and lipids in adult TPN mixtures. In neonate TPN mixtures, Al highest amounts were provided by dextrose and calcium gluconate. The calculated concentration of Al in TPN mixtures was higher than those stipulated by international regulation (5 µg Al/kg (body weight)/ d). It would be advisable for manufacturers to declare the content of aluminum in the label, with the aim of avoiding toxicities which would compromise the critical patients' evolution.

Introducción: aluminio (Al) es un elemento tóxico que puede ser contaminante de productos farmacéuticos utilizados para preparar mezclas de nutrición parenteral (NP). Objetivos: 1) determinar la concentración de Al en componentes individuales utilizados para preparar mezclas de NP; 2) comparar las cantidades detectadas con los límites de la regulación internacional (FDA); 3) calcular la cantidad de Al administrada en fórmulas habituales de NP para neonatos, niños y adultos. Materiales y métodos: El Aluminio fue determinado por Espectroscopía de Emisión Atómica-Plasma-Inductivo de Argón (Perkin Elmer 5100 DV) en 44 productos comerciales, de diferentes laboratorios y lotes, correspondientes a 16 componentes individuales: dextrosa; aminoácidos para adultos y pediátricos; lípidos; cloruro de potasio; cloruro de sodio, sulfato de magnesio; fosfato de sodio; gluconato de calcio; glicerofosfato de sodio; sulfato de zinc; elementos multitraza; agua estéril en ampollas y de gran volumen. Resultados: Todos los componentes de gran volumen, excepto el agua, contenían entre 249 y 1.580 µg/L, superando entre 4 y 180 veces mas que los niveles establecidos por la FDA (25 µg/L). Los componentes de pequeño volumen contenían entre 85 y 4.909 µg/L, no declarados en los rótulos. Conclusiones: 1) La mayor cantidad de aluminio se encontró en el gluconato de calcio, fosfato de sodio y elementos multitraza. 2) Las mezclas de uso habitual para NP presentan niveles de Al mayores al límite de FDA. Los componentes que aportan mayor cantidad de aluminio en las mezclas de NP para adultos son: glucosa, aminoácidos y lípidos, pero en las de neonatos, el mayor aporte proviene de la dextrosa y gluconato de calcio. 3) En las mezclas de NP para neonatos, niños y adultos la cantidad de aluminio administrado por kg de peso supera la recomendación de FDA (5 µg/kg de peso /día). Los productos comerciales deberían declarar el contenido de Al para no comprometer la evolución de los pacientes graves.

Characteristics of pica practice during pregnancy in a sample of Argentine women.

The purpose of this study was to describe the practice of pica during pregnancy in Argentine women. Maternal and fetal characteristics as well as the practice of pica were evaluated during the puerperium in a sample of 1,014 women from five different geographical areas. Pica prevalence for the total sample was 23.2% (95% CI 20.6-25.8). Pagophagia (ice consumption) was the main type of pica practice, followed by geophagia (earth intake) and the ingestion of soap, toothpaste and chalk. The onset of the practice was mainly in the first months of pregnancy. A total of 49.8% of women revealed a family history of pica; 30.6% had pica in childhood and 13.2% suffered from polypica. Women with pica during pregnancy had similar age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), parity, neonatal birth weight and gestational age compared with non-pica mothers, although maternal haemoglobin concentration was lower in women with pica than in non-pica mothers (p = 0.0001).

[Influence of zinc administered by total parenteral nutrition on plasmatic zinc levels, on reactive C protein, on serum interleukin-6 and on serum interleukin-6 soluble receptor, in critical patients]. / Influencia del zinc administrado a pacientes críticos con nutrición parenteral sobre los niveles de zinc plasmático, proteína C reactiva, interleuquina-6 y receptor soluble de interleuquina-6.

OBJECTIVES: To study the interrelationship between serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum Interleukin-6 soluble Receptor (IL-6 sR), C-Reactive Protein (C-RP), plasmatic Zinc levels (PlZn) and their response in relation to Zn administered by TPN, in critical patients. METHODS: 17 patients, receiving TPN as a consequence of acute pancreatitis (n = 4) or after a major abdominal surgery due to intestinal cancer (n = 7), intestinal fístula (n = 3), intestinal obstruction (n = 2) or intestinal íleus (n = 1) were studied. At the beginning (To) and at the end of the TPN administration (6-21 days) serum IL-6 and IL-6 sR were determined by ELISA; C-RP ultrasensitive (C-RP us) by inmunoturbidimetric method; Zn was determined in TPN and in plasma by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Characteristics of the patients were (mean +/- SD and ranges): age: 60.6 +/- 11.7 (37-77) years; BMI (kg/m(2)): 26.0 +/- 3.4 (19.9-34.0). RESULTS: The results (mean +/- standard deviation and ranges) were: Zn provided by TPN (mg/d): 6.1 +/- 2.0 (range 2.8 to 10.8). Biochemical levels were, at To and Tf, respectively: (mean+/-SD and ranges) were at To y Tf, respectively: Zn Pl (microg/dl): 104 +/- 46 (35-177); 120 +/- 55 (52-229); IL-6 (pg/mL) 93 +/- 74 (10-262); 117 +/- 180 (7-761); IL6sR (pg/mL): 1,012 +/- 322 (589-1855); 1,269 +/- 451 (631-2195); C-RP us (mg/L): 71 +/- 63 (2-196); 65 +/- 43 (0-137). There was no correlation between variations of IL6, IL6sR, C-RP, PlZn levels and the daily amount of Zn administered in the TPN mixtures. Two patients presented a bad evolution; they received 4.2 and 5.2 md/d of Zn and showed an increase of IL6 levels, maintained high levels of IL6sR but C-RP levels decreased. CONCLUSIONS: the range of 2.8 to 10.8 mg/d of Zn administered in TPN mixtures did not exacerbate the inflammatory response.

[Relationship between the amount of copper and zinc given to critically ill patients on total parenteral nutrition and plasma and erythrocyte copper and zinc levels]. / Relación entre las cantidades de cobre y zinc administradas a pacientes graves con nutrición parenteral total y los niveles de cobre y zinc en plasma y eritrocitos.

OBJECTIVES: Complications resulting from zinc and copper deficiency, or adverse effects from excessive zinc and copper intake should be avoided during total parenteral nutrition (TPN). This study was conducted on critically ill patients requiring TPN to determine the relationship between the zinc and copper levels of the TPN mixtures, patients' clinical progression, and changes in plasma levels of zinc, serum levels of copper, and erythrocyte levels of zinc and copper. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 29 adult critically ill patients following pancreatitis or after a major abdominal surgery were studied. Zinc and copper levels in TPN, plasmatic zinc levels, copper serum levels and erythrocyte levels of zinc and copper were determined at the onset and at the end of the treatment (5-21 days) (using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry). RESULTS: The mean+/-standard deviation (and ranges in parenthesis) of zinc and copper levels in TPN were (microg/mL): zinc: 4.2+/-1.7 (1.8 a 9.3); copper: 0.94+/-0.66 (0.1 a 3.1). Biochemical parameters at the onset and at the end of the treatment were, respectively: (microg/mL): plasmatic zinc: 80+/-45 (29-205) and 122+/-56 (37-229); erythrocyte zinc: 2,300+/-1,070 (790-5,280) and 2,160+/-920 (790-4,440); serum copper (microg/dL): 124+/-35 (62-211) and 128+/-41 (60- 238); erythrocyte copper (microg/dl): 72+/-39 (4-183) and 70+/-41 (9-156). Plasmatic and erythrocyte zinc levels did not correlated neither at the onset nor at the end of the treatment. Changes in erythrocyte zinc levels correlated with daily administered zinc (mg/d) in the parenteral nutrition (r=0.38). Serum copper and erythrocyte copper showed significant correlation at the onset (p=0.0005) and at the end of treatment (p=0.008). Changes of serum or erythrocyte copper levels showed a significant correlation with daily administered copper (r=0.31 and 0.26, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that: 1) determination of erythrocyte zinc and copper levels in these critically ill patients would help to control zinc and copper administration levels in TPN and avoid adverse effects; 2) TPN Zn levels should be less than 8.1 mg/d, and 3) TPN Cu levels higher than 1.2 mg/d would not be recommended.

[Nutrient intake in women with pagophagia and other forms of pica during the pregnancy]. / Ingesta de nutrientes en mujeres con pagofagia y otras formas de pica durante el embarazo.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation was to know and assess the characteristics of nutrient intake in pregnant women diagnosed with pica (consumption of non nutritive substances). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied a group of 71 women presenting pagophagia (compulsive consumption of ice) and other forms of pica, which was compared to a control group including the same number of women with similar socio-cultural and anthropometrical characteristics but without the eating disorder. Both groups were randomly selected among women assisted at the Hospital de la Matanza, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. RESULTS: we did not observed statistically significant differences in energy, total proteins, iron, and calcium consumption. However, women with pica showed lower intakes (p < 0.03) of carbohydrates, animal proteins, hemic iron, and zinc. The median values for women with and without the disorder were, respectively: carbohydrates (g): 379/426; animal proteins (g): 35/39; hemic iron (mg): 1.5/1.9; zinc (mg): 7.1/8.1, calcium (mg): 625/612. In both groups, meat was the main source of iron and zinc, and its intake was lower in the group with pica. The daily average amounts consumed were 117 + 53 g for women with pica and 154 + 71 g (p < 0.03) for the control group. Only 22% of pregnant women with the disorder referred using iron supplements during their pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: As compared with control women, pregnant women with pica disorder showed lower intake in traditionally marginal nutrients such as iron and zinc. These results show the need for early diagnosing this disorder during pregnancy in order to prevent or correct it and properly counseling pregnant women about food selection and supplementation regimens.

Bone mass changes in vivo during the entire reproductive cycle in rats feeding different dietary calcium and calcium/phosphorus ratio content.

The purpose of this study was to quantify in vivo the impact of different dietary Ca contents on the maternal total skeleton and skeletal sub-areas in adult rats during pregnancy and lactation, using DXA. Twenty-four female Wistar rats (approximately 5 months old) were mated and divided into three groups (n = 8) and fed one of the following diets, varying only in Ca content (LCD: 0.14%, NCD: 0.6% or HCD: 1.2%). Pups were adjusted to 8-9 per dam. Maternal ionic calcium and in vivo bone mineral density (BMD) were measured at the beginning, after delivery and after weaning. Regardless of the diet, ionized calcium decreased from onset to weaning ( P < 0.05). At weaning, bone mass decreased 7.3% in NCD, 15% in LCD and 10.5% in HCD from initial values. Total skeleton, whole and proximal tibia and spine BMDs only decreased at delivery in the LCD group ( P < 0.05) but, irrespective of the diet, at weaning, they were lower compared to delivery and initial values ( P < 0.05). LCD group presented the lowest BMD in the proximal tibia and spine regions ( P < 0.05). At birth, pups did not present differences, however, at weaning, LCD pups reached the lowest body weight ( P < 0.05), NCD presented the highest body Ca content ( P < 0.05) and there were no differences between LCD and HCD. This in vivo study showed that regardless of the dietary calcium content, the maternal skeleton is slightly affected by pregnancy but severely affected by lactation. However, the degree of such response appears to depend not only on dietary Ca content but also on dietary Ca/P molar ratio.

Contenido en algunos nutrientes del alga marina comestible Monostroma undulatum Wittrock de la costa patagónica argentina / Chemical composition and seasonal fluctuations of the edible green seaweed, Monostroma undulatum, Wittrock, from the Southern Argentina coast

The chemical composition of green seaweed, Monostroma undulatum, Wittrock, growing in the Southern Argentina coast, was studied. Samples were collected in Puerto Deseado, province of Santa Cruz (47 degrees 45'L.S., 65 degrees 55'L.W.), from October to December 1999 and 2000. It has been analyzed six sample during this period. Algae were washed with sea water and dried at room temperature for 24 hs. Moisture, nitrogen, lipids and ashes were determined according to AOAC; fiber (total, soluble and insoluble), according to Lahaye. After mineralization with nitric acid, sodium and potassium were determined by flame photometry, calcium by complexometric method, and phosphorus by Gomori's method. The ranges expressed per 100 g dry algae were: protein (Nx6.25): 12.89-21.85; ashes (g): 33.92-40.05; lipid (g): 0.32-1.47; total fiber (g): 14.36-19.6; digestible carbohydrates (calculated by difference) (g): 20.86-32.48; sodium (g): 7.39-13.11; potassium (g): 1.38-3.18; calcium (mg): 149-226; phosphorus (mg): 190-447; Vitamin C (mg): 159-455. These results show that this green seaweed is an important source for protein, fiber, macronutrients minerals and vitamin C, during the macroscopic period. There was an important fluctuation that must be taken into account to consider the commercial collection to use it in human nutrition.

Efecto del nivel de calcio de la dieta consumida durante gestación y lactancia sobre el zinc en sangre y hueso, en ratas / Effect of dietary calcium during pregnancy and lactation on zinc levels in blood and bone, in rats

The effect of dietary calcium (Ca) level on maternal zinc (Zn) nutritional status was studied. Female Wistar rats, weighing 250-350 g, were fed during pregnancy and lactation with an experimental diet containing/100 g different levels of calcium: 0.2 g (low calcium: LCa), 0.6 g (normal calcium: NCa) or 0.9 (high calcium: HCa). Maternal blood samples were drawn from the tail at delivery and at the end of lactation. Laboratory determinations were: Zn in whole blood (WB) at delivery and weaning; Zn (ZnF) and Ca (CaF) in the ashed femur at weaning. The results (mean +/- SEM) were: ZnWB (microgram/ml) at delivery and weaning: LCa: 8.73 +/- 1.05; 12.8 +/- 2.02; NCa: 3.49 +/- 0.19; 3.73 +/- 0.37; HCa: 3.21 +/- 0.19; 3.85 +/- 0.27. CaF (mg/100 mg): LCa: 19.2 +/- 0.8; NCa: 21.4 +/- 0.6; HCa: 20.4 +/- 1.1. ZnF (microgram/100 mg): LCa: 30.2 +/- 0.9; NCa: 24.1 +/- 0.3; HCa: 24.1 +/- 0.9. ZnWB was significantly higher in LCa (p < 0.0001) regarding NCa and Hca. ZnF showed an increase and CaF a decrease in LCa regarding NCa and HCa (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in ZnWB, ZnF and CaF between NCa and HCa These results show that: there was no detrimental effect when dietary Ca content was increased by 50 per cent above the normal requirements of the rat.; low dietary Ca during pregnancy and lactation produced an increase of Zn utilization, reflected in maternal blood Zn and in ZnF content.

Dietas desequilibradas en niños preescolares: estudio en un jardín integral de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Imbalance diets in preschool children: study in a day-care center in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of low fat diets in children aged 2 to 5. Eighty two children (40 females and 42 males) attending a school cafeteria (Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina), in a cross sectional study, were evaluated. Body weight (W), height (H) and body composition (BC) by bioimpedance were recorded. The anthropometric raw data were processed as Z-score of the weight-for-age (WEZ) and of the height-for-age (HAZ). Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and Zinc/haemoglobin ratio (Zn/Hb) were also measured. Results showed that 73.2 per cent of children were adequate (A) according WEZ, 13.4 per cent were lean (L) and 13.4 per cent overweight (O). 8.5 per cent presented simultaneously impairment in WEZ and HAZ. Body fat percentage and energy metabolism were higher in O than in L and A (p < 0.05). Serum IGF-1's children--aged 4 to 5 years--with HAZ deficit were low than adequate HAZ ones. No statistical differences in Zn/Hb ratio between A, L and O were found. This cross sectional study suggests metabolic disorders in young children attending school cafeterias. These conclusions will allow to design balanced diets in order to optimize the resources, promote optimal growth and development and prevent adult diseases through dietary practices in childhood.

Utilidad clínica de los marcadores de formación y resorción ósea / Clinical utility of biochemical merkers of bone turnover

Se evaluó el recambio óseo en distintas situaciones fisiológicas y patológicas que alteran el metabolismo óseo. A tal fin se analizó la utilidad de un marcador bioquímico de formación como la fosfatasa alcalina ósea (FAO) y uno de resorción ósea, como la fracción carboxilo terminal del telopéptido del colágeno tipo I (CTX). En la población adulta normal los hombres y mujeres premenopáusicas no presentaron diferencias significativas. Contrariamente, las mujeres posmenopáusicas tuvieron niveles de FAO y CTX significativamente mayores que éstos dos grupos (p<0,01). Entre el segundo y tercer trimestre de embarazo ambos marcadores aumentaron significativamente (FAO: p<0,009 y CTX: p<0,0003). Mientras la FAO no varió en posmenopáusicas ante el tratamiento hormonal de reemplazo (THR), el CTX disminuyó significativamente (p<0,001). Mujeres posmenopáusicas osteopénicas y osteoporóticas presentaron niveles de CTX y FAO significativamente menores luego de THR o tratamiento con bifosfonatos respecto de las no tratadas (FAO: p<0,05 y 0,03 y CTX: p<0,02 y 0,0001 respectivamente). Pacientes con insuficiencia renal en hemodiálisis presentaron niveles séricos de FAO y CTX significativamente mayores que los controles sanos por edad y sexo (p<0,05). Pacientes hipertiroideos, pagéticos o con patología ósea secundaria a enfermedad celíaca disminuyeron los niveles de FAO y CTX en forma significativa (p<0,05) luego del tratamiento específico. Como se esperaba, el marcador de resorción respondió más rápidamente a cambios en el remodelamiento óseo. Si le sumamos la alta especificidad y sensibilidad del CTX, se sugiere que éste marcador sería de utilidad en todas aquellas patologías en que se sospeche alteración o se quiera determinar el grado del remodelamiento óseo (AU)

Utilidad clínica de los marcadores de formación y resorción ósea / Clinical utility of biochemical merkers of bone turnover

Se evaluó el recambio óseo en distintas situaciones fisiológicas y patológicas que alteran el metabolismo óseo. A tal fin se analizó la utilidad de un marcador bioquímico de formación como la fosfatasa alcalina ósea (FAO) y uno de resorción ósea, como la fracción carboxilo terminal del telopéptido del colágeno tipo I (CTX). En la población adulta normal los hombres y mujeres premenopáusicas no presentaron diferencias significativas. Contrariamente, las mujeres posmenopáusicas tuvieron niveles de FAO y CTX significativamente mayores que éstos dos grupos (p<0,01). Entre el segundo y tercer trimestre de embarazo ambos marcadores aumentaron significativamente (FAO: p<0,009 y CTX: p<0,0003). Mientras la FAO no varió en posmenopáusicas ante el tratamiento hormonal de reemplazo (THR), el CTX disminuyó significativamente (p<0,001). Mujeres posmenopáusicas osteopénicas y osteoporóticas presentaron niveles de CTX y FAO significativamente menores luego de THR o tratamiento con bifosfonatos respecto de las no tratadas (FAO: p<0,05 y 0,03 y CTX: p<0,02 y 0,0001 respectivamente). Pacientes con insuficiencia renal en hemodiálisis presentaron niveles séricos de FAO y CTX significativamente mayores que los controles sanos por edad y sexo (p<0,05). Pacientes hipertiroideos, pagéticos o con patología ósea secundaria a enfermedad celíaca disminuyeron los niveles de FAO y CTX en forma significativa (p<0,05) luego del tratamiento específico. Como se esperaba, el marcador de resorción respondió más rápidamente a cambios en el remodelamiento óseo. Si le sumamos la alta especificidad y sensibilidad del CTX, se sugiere que éste marcador sería de utilidad en todas aquellas patologías en que se sospeche alteración o se quiera determinar el grado del remodelamiento óseo

Basal urinary zinc/creatinine ratio as an indicator of dietary zinc intake in healthy adult women.

OBJECTIVE: To study, in healthy women, the correlation between the basal urinary zinc/creatinine ratio and dietary zinc intake. SUBJECTS: A group of 36 healthy female University students was evaluated. Mean age and body weight were, respectively, 25.6+/-3.3 years and 54.4+/-7.0 kg. METHODS: Basal urine was collected; Zn was determined by AAS and Creatinine (Creat) by the Jaffe method. A nutritional survey of seven days was recorded. Mean daily dietary intake of energy (DE) and zinc (DZn) were calculated according to the INCAP and English or German Food Composition Tables, respectively. RESULTS: Mean dietary daily intake were as follows (x +/- SD): Energy (kcal): 1606+/-570; zinc (mg): 9.1+/-3.8; basal urine Zn/Creat ratio: 0.41+/-0.24. Individual values of the Zn/Creat ratio correlated with dietary Zn (r=0.481, p=0.0339); data grouped according to ranges of dietary Zn fit the following equation: Zn/Creat=0.160+/-0.034 DZn (mg/day); (r=0.870, p=0.00497). CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that the basal urinary Zn/Creat ratio could be a useful indicator of dietary Zn intake in healthy adult women.

[Nutritional status of surgical patients without apparent nutritional compromise]. / Estado nutricional de pacientes quirúrgicos sin aparente compromiso nutricional.

Nutritional status of 80 preoperative patients from programmed surgeries of hernias and lithiasis was studied by anthropometric and biochemical parameters. Nutritional deficiencies related to pathology were not expected in these patients. Results were as follows: 77% of the population showed overweight, being 15% obese. Prevalent protein intake, evaluated by the urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio, was adequate in 87.5% of the patients; however, patients presented 72% of albumin, 52% of prealbumin and 50% of RBP below reference values. Transferrin, ceruloplasmin, alpha 2-macroglobulin and haptoglobin were not decreased. Assessment of vitamin A, carotenes and vitamin C showed plasmatic levels below reference values in 16% of the patients for vitamin A, 5% for carotenes and 27% for vitamin C. Respect to calcium status, data of calcium/creatinine ratio show deficiency in 45% of the population. Respect to iron, the nutritional status was in general adequate, patients at risk being 5% by Htc, 11% by Hb, 5% by TS% and 12.5% by FEP, women showed over twice abnormal values than men. Although some isolated relations were observed, in this population sex, age and pathology were variable that did not affect in a relevant way the nutritional status. In spite of the individual analysis of each nutrient did not show important deficiencies, the analysis by patient showed that only a few of them (7%) presented an optimal biochemical profile with all the studied parameters within the reference values.

[Food consumption and intake of several nutrients in a population of the University of Luján, Argentina]. / Consumo de alimentos e ingesta de algunos nutrientes en la población de la Universidad Nacional de Luján, Argentina.

A dietary survey was carried out at the National University of Luján (Argentina), with the objective of evaluating: a) food consumption and energy supply of cereals; b) the adequation of the intake of protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A, B1, B2, C and niacin, regarding the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). A representative sample of 827 people (16% of the total population of 1991, equally distributed in the four seasons) was assessed with a 24 hour dietary recall. Sample was composed by: males: 189, aged 18-24 ys (GIM); 189, aged 25-50 ys (G2M); females: 209, aged 18-24 ys (GIF); 240, aged 25-50 ys (G2F). The results showed that cereals, 90% deriving from wheat products, supplied 32% of the total energy intake in G1F and between 40% and 48% in the other three groups. The mean daily intake of meat ranged between 90.5 g and 128.7 in females and over 140.0 g in males. Dairy products consumption was quite low, as well as fruits and vegetables in the whole of the population. Protein intake was over 1.25 g/d in 50% of the population. Calcium intake was below the RDA in a great percentage of the population, the mean percentage of adequation being: G1F, 71%; G2F, 62%; G1M, 64%; G2M, 65%. Iron mean daily intake was quite good, ranging between 16.4 and 20.8 mg in females and between 17.5 and 19.2 mg in males. The percentage of iron supplied by meat was: G1F, 16%; G2F, 21%; G1M, 34% and G2M, 26%; therefore iron bioavailability can be considered high. Besides, "mate", which is drunk between meals, supplied between 25% and 29% of the total iron intake in females and between 12% and 56% in males. Vitamin A intake was below the RDA in 74% to 58% of the population. The mean intake of vitamin B1 was 89% of the RDA in G1M and over RDA in the other three groups. Intake and percentage of adequation of vitamin B2, vitamin C and niacin presented a great range, but the mean values were over the RDA. The overall results showed: a) a high protein intake, providing red meat between 26% and 39%; b) low consumption of dairy products, with the consequence of a low calcium and vitamin A intake; c) low consumption of fruits and vegetables, being in relation to the low intake of fibre and carotenes; d) high consumption of cereals, mainly wheat products, that must be controlled from the toxicological point of view, due to the variable presence of mycotoxins. These results are in agreement with other dietary surveys carried out in previous years and are a consequence of some characteristic feeding habits of the Argentine population. They show that nutritional education is necessary for promoting changes in the latter, with the aim of reaching a better nutritional status.

[Investigation needs on carotenoids in the republic of Argentina]. / Necesidades de investigación sobre carotenoides en la República Argentina.

There are no national dietary surveys regarding nutrient intake of Argentine population. On the other hand, nutrient content of foods in Argentina, as in other Latin American countries, is unknown because there are no data on food composition. Therefore, nutrient intakes must be calculated using foreign composition tables. In relation to vitamin A nutritional status, high prevalence of low vitamin A intake and low plasma retinol levels have been found in the eighties in several groups of university students. In this report, results of a 7-day dietary survey of students attending the course of Nutrition in the Universities of Buenos Aires, Luján and Tucumán are presented. Information was processed in a PC Computer (VAN Program, Lujan University, Argentina) to obtain the mean daily intake of carotenes with and without provitamin A activity, according to the German Food Composition Tables. The results showed that provitamin A carotenes provided between 40 and 82% of the vitamin A recommended allowances and that about 20% of the population had total carotene intake lower than 4 mg/day. These results are in agreement with other dietary surveys carried out in students in previous years and are a consequence of some characteristic feeding habits of the Argentine population. In order to obtain more reasonable results regarding actual intakes in our population, study of the composition of national foods would be imperative.

[Erythrocyte protoporphyrin during recovery from malnutrition in rats]. / Protoporfirina eritrocitaria durante la recuperación nutricional en ratas.

Interrelationships between Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin (EP), dietary Iron/Protein ratio (Fe/Prot) and Fe liver content (Feh) were studied during nutritional recovery in an experimental model: weanling female Wistar rats (To) were depleted with a protein-free diet (LP), losing 20% of their initial body weight. Then they were recovered until 45 days of age (T45) with diets containing: casein: 20 g/100 g; Fe (ammonium Fe citrate) (ppm.): 0, 75 or 100 (groups A1, A2 and A3, respectively). Hematocrit, Hemoglobin (Hb) (g/dL). Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin (EP) (microgram/dL Red Blood Cells) and Feh (microgram) were determined at To, LP and T45. Results were compared with control rats (C) fed with 20% of casein and Fe, 50 ppm. EP: a) decreased in C from To to T45 (99 +/- 24; 36 +/- 9; p < 0.01); b) increased in A1 and A2 at T45 (123 +/- 21; 93 +/- 29, respectively, p < 0.01) while A3 did not show significant difference (45 +/- 7) regarding to C: c) correlated inversely with Feh. According to the inverse correlation between EP and Fe/Prot (r = -0.99), we found that 92 ppm was an adequate Fe amount to prevent EP increase. These results confirm that during recovery from undernutrition EP depends on iron liver content, being an adequate indicator of iron nutritional status; therefore, EP would be useful as a predictor of the optimum Fe/Prot ratio for nutritional recovery.

[Effect of iron supplementation and its frequency during pregnancy]. / Efecto de la suplementación con hierro y su frecuencia en gestantes.

The iron (Fe) nutritional status of 203 healthy pregnant women was assessed at the first prenatal visit (To) (gestational age: 16.9 weeks +/- 3.81. Women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: G1 and G2 were supplemented with ferrous fumarate (60 mg elemental Fe) daily or intermittently (three times a week), respectively; and GC was the control group, without supplementation. The follow up was carried out until 34-37 weeks of gestational age (Tf), but only 43% of pregnant women completed the trial. At To and Tf fasting blood samples were collected and Hematocrit (Hct), Hemoglobin (Hb), Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin (EP) and Serum Ferritin (FERR) were determined. The percentage of women with abnormal biochemical values at To (n = 203) was: Hb (g/dl) < 10.5: 2.6%; PE (microgram/dl of red blood cells) > 70: 4.8%; FERR (ng/ml) < 10: 4.4%. Results (X +/- DE) of women that completed the follow up were at To and Tf, respectively: Hct (%): GC: 37.7 +/- 3.4 and 36.0 +/- 3.2 (p < 0.05); G1: 38.8 +/- 2.2 and 38.0 +/- 2.6; G2: 39.0 +/- 2.7 and 37.7 +/- 3.7; Hb (g/dl): GC: 12.5 +/- 1.2 and 11.9 +/- 1.3 (p < 0.05); G1: 12.6 +/- 1.1 and 12.8 +/- 1.1; G2: 12.9 +/- 0.9 and 12.2 +/- 1.5; PE (microgram/dl red blood cells): GC: 30 +/- 17 and 43 +/- 22 (p < 0.01); G1: 26 +/- 13 and 38 +/- 21 (p < 0.01); G2: 26 +/- 16 and 31 +/- 26; FERR (ng/ml): GC: 75 +/- 67 and 31 +/- 49 (p < 0.01); G1: 46 +/- 34 and 19 +/- 10 (p < 0.01); G2: 43 +/- 11 and 11 +/- 7 (p < 0.01). These results show: a) Fe administration was efficient to mitigate Hb decrease; b) Fe stores decreased during pregnancy regardless of Fe supplementation and frequency; c) EP values indicate that intermittent Fe administration was more efficient to maintain normal erythropoiesis.

[Biochemical status and iron intake in a population of pregnant women of Buenos Aires, Argentina]. / Indicadores bioquimicos e ingesta de hierro en un grupo de gestantes del gran Buenos Aires.

The iron (Fe) nutritional status was studied in 113 healthy pregnant women, age: 24.8 +/- 6.1 Ys. During the second trimester (gestational age: 16.9 +/- 3.8 weeks), a 24 h dietary recall was carried out and daily Fe intake was calculated, according to Latinoamerican and German Food Composition Tables. On the same day, hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) and serum ferritin (SF) were determined in fasting blood samples. Mean daily Fe intake was 10.8 +/- 4.6 mg. The percentage of population with abnormal biochemical values was: Hb (g/dL) < 10.5: 2%; PE > 70 microgram/dL of red blood cells: 6.5%; SF (ng/mL) < 12-20: 16%. According to the new recommendations of the American Institute of Medicine, Fe supplementation would be necessary in women with SF < 20 ng/ml (22%). Therefore, the follow-up of iron stores would be necessary in those with SF > 20 ng/mL before Fe administration.

Influence of dietary calcium concentration on body size and bone composition in rats during recovery from malnutrition.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to assess the influence of different levels of calcium (Ca) in a diet containing 30% protein on the rehabilitated of the body size from protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and to establish the optimal Ca/protein ratio for attaining a normal body composition. METHODS: Weanling female Wistar rats were fed with protein-free diet up to a weight deficit of 20 +/- 1%. Then they were arranged in groups (TO) and fed diets with 30% protein and 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.9 or 1.2% Ca for 28 days (T28). Food and deionized water were given ad libitum. Body weight and length were recorded every 3 days. At T28, the animals were sacrificed to determine femur composition. RESULTS: At T13, weight-for-age (W/A) was within the normal range for rats consuming > or = 0.6% Ca. At T28 all groups showed adequate W/A. Although length-for-age was adequate during rehabilitated period, rate of weight gain improved when Ca was > or = 0.6%. Femur length did not show significant difference between groups. Total femur Ca content and mg Ca/g of dry-weight tissue increased with increments in dietary Ca concentration and tended to plateau with 0.4% Ca. Ca/P ratio reached the highest value with 0.9% Ca. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that at a dietary protein level of 30% the Ca/protein ratio is a limiting factor in attaining of normal body size; this is achievable when Ca concentration is 1.2% and the Ca/protein ratio is 0.04.