Comparative Analysis of Myokines and Bone Metabolism Markers in Prepubertal Vegetarian and Omnivorous Children.

The role of bone and muscle as endocrine organs may be important contributing factors for children's growth and development. Myokines, secreted by muscle cells, play a role in regulating bone metabolism, either directly or indirectly. Conversely, markers of bone metabolism, reflecting the balance between bone formation and bone resorption, can also influence myokine secretion. This study investigated a panel of serum myokines and their relationships with bone metabolism markers in children following vegetarian and omnivorous diets. A cohort of sixty-eight healthy prepubertal children, comprising 44 vegetarians and 24 omnivores, participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements, dietary assessments, and biochemical analyses were conducted. To evaluate the serum concentrations of bone markers and myokines, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. The studied children did not differ regarding their serum myokine levels, except for a higher concentration of decorin in the vegetarian group (p = 0.020). The vegetarians demonstrated distinct pattern of bone metabolism markers compared to the omnivores, with lower levels of N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP) (p = 0.001) and elevated levels of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) (p = 0.018). Consequently, the P1NP/CTX-I ratio was significantly decreased in the vegetarians. The children following a vegetarian diet showed impaired bone metabolism with reduced bone formation and increased bone resorption. Higher levels of decorin, a myokine involved in collagen fibrillogenesis and essential for tissue structure and function, may suggest a potential compensatory mechanism contributing to maintaining bone homeostasis in vegetarians. The observed significant positive correlations between myostatin and bone metabolism markers, including P1NP and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (sRANKL), suggest an interplay between muscle and bone metabolism, potentially through the RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling pathway.

Associations between Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and Circulating Adipokines in Non-Obese Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathophysiology of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), but there are no data on these disorders in non-obese children with PWS. Therefore, the presented study examined total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the oxidative stress index (OSI), and adipokine levels in 22 non-obese children with PWS during dietary intervention and growth hormone treatment compared with 25 non-obese healthy children. Serum concentrations of TOC, TAC, nesfatin-1, leptin, hepcidin, ferroportin, and ferritin were determined using immunoenzymatic methods. We found that TOC concentrations were higher by 50% (p = 0.006) in patients with PWS than in healthy children, but no significant differences in TAC concentrations were observed between these groups. The OSI was higher in children with PWS than in the controls (p = 0.002). We found positive associations between TOC values and the percentage of the Estimated Energy Requirement, body mass index (BMI) Z-score, percentage of fat mass, and leptin, nesfatin-1, and hepcidin concentrations in patients with PWS. A positive association was also found between the OSI and nesfatin-1 levels. These observations suggest that higher daily energy intake and weight gain may be accompanied by an increasing prooxidant state in these patients. Adipokines such as leptin, nesfatin-1, or hepcidin may also play a role in the prooxidant state in non-obese children with PWS.

Dietary Intake and Circulating Amino Acid Concentrations in Relation with Bone Metabolism Markers in Children Following Vegetarian and Omnivorous Diets.

Scientific studies reported that most vegetarians meet the total protein requirements; however, little is known about their amino acid intakes. We aimed to assess dietary intake and serum amino acid levels in relation to bone metabolism markers in prepubertal children on vegetarian and traditional diets. Data from 51 vegetarian and 25 omnivorous children aged 4-9 years were analyzed. Dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients were assessed using the nutritional program Dieta 5®. Serum amino acid analysis was performed using high-pressure liquid chromatography technique, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathormone-electrochemiluminescent immunoassay, and bone metabolism markers, albumin, and prealbumin levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Vegetarian children had a significantly lower intake of protein and amino acids with median differences of about 30-50% compared to omnivores. Concentrations of four amino acids (valine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine) in serum varied significantly by diet groups and were lower by 10-15% in vegetarians than meat-eaters. Vegetarian children also had lower (p < 0.001) serum albumin levels compared to omnivores. Among bone markers, they had higher (p < 0.05) levels of C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CTX-I) than omnivores. Correlation patterns between amino acids and bone metabolism markers differed in the vegetarian and omnivore groups. Out of bone markers, especially osteoprotegerin was positively correlated with several amino acids, such as tryptophan, alanine, aspartate, glutamine, and serine, and ornithine in vegetarians. Vegetarian children consumed apparently sufficient but lower protein and amino acids compared to omnivores. In circulation these differences were less marked than in the diet. Significantly lower amino acid intake and serum levels of valine, lysine, leucine, and isoleucine as well as the observed correlations between serum amino acids and biochemical bone marker levels indicated the relations between diet, protein quality, and bone metabolism.

Circulating Levels of Nesfatin-1 and Spexin in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome during Growth Hormone Treatment and Dietary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Despite observable improvement in the treatment outcomes of patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), adequate weight control is still a clinical problem. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the profiles of neuroendocrine peptides regulating appetite-mainly nesfatin-1 and spexin-in children with PWS undergoing growth hormone treatment and reduced energy intake. METHODS: Twenty-five non-obese children (aged 2-12 years) with PWS and 30 healthy children of the same age following an unrestricted age-appropriate diet were examined. Serum concentrations of nesfatin-1, spexin, leptin, leptin receptor, total adiponectin, high molecular weight adiponectin, proinsulin, insulin-like growth factor-I, and total and functional IGF-binding protein-3 concentrations were determined using immunoenzymatic methods. RESULTS: The daily energy intake in children with PWS was lower by about 30% (p < 0.001) compared with the controls. Daily protein intake was similar in both groups, but carbohydrate and fat intakes were significantly lower in the patient group than the controls (p < 0.001). Similar values for nesfatin-1 in the PWS subgroup with BMI Z-score < -0.5 and the control group, while higher values in the PWS subgroup with BMI Z-score ≥ -0.5 (p < 0.001) were found. Spexin concentrations were significantly lower in both subgroups with PWS than the controls (p < 0.001; p = 0.005). Significant differences in the lipid profile between the PWS subgroups and the controls were also observed. Nesfatin-1 and leptin were positively related with BMI (p = 0.018; p = 0.001, respectively) and BMI Z-score (p = 0.031; p = 0.027, respectively) in the whole group with PWS. Both neuropeptides also correlated positively in these patients (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Altered profiles of anorexigenic peptides-especially nesfatin-1 and spexin-in non-obese children with Prader-Willi syndrome during growth hormone treatment and reduced energy intake were found. These differences may play a role in the etiology of metabolic disorders in Prader-Willi syndrome despite the applied therapy.

Assessment of Oxidant and Antioxidant Status in Prepubertal Children following Vegetarian and Omnivorous Diets.

Oxidant-antioxidant balance is crucial for maintaining one's health, and the diet is possibly one of the most important factors affecting this balance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the oxidant-antioxidant balance in children on a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet. The study was conducted between January 2020 and December 2021. The concentrations of total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced (GSH), and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) and calprotectin were measured in serum samples of 72 healthy prepubertal children (32 vegetarians and 40 omnivores). The oxidative stress index (OSI) and the GSH/GSSG ratio (R-index) were calculated. Children on a vegetarian diet had significantly lower median values of TOC, GSH, and GSSG, and higher TAC compared with the omnivores. OSI was significantly lower in vegetarians, while R-index, as well as median values of CRP and calprotectin did not differ between both groups of children. Significant negative correlations were observed between TOC and TAC levels in the whole group of children and in vegetarians. GSH and GSSG levels correlated positively in the groups of vegetarians, omnivores, and in all the children. There were significant positive correlations between TOC and GSH, as well as GSSG levels in all the studied groups of children. Our study results suggest that the vegetarian model of nutrition allows to maintain the oxidant-antioxidant balance in the serum of prepubertal children.

Does a Vegetarian Diet Affect the Levels of Myokine and Adipokine in Prepubertal Children?

Myokines are cytokines secreted by muscle and exert autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine effects. Myokines mediate communication between muscle and other organs, including adipose tissue. The aim of the study was to assess serum myokines and their relationships with adipokines and anthropometric and nutritional parameters in children following vegetarian and omnivorous diets. One hundred and five prepubertal children were examined. Among them there were 55 children on a vegetarian diet and 50 children on an omnivorous diet. Concentrations of myokines (myostatin, irisin) and adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, omentin, visfatin) in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We observed comparable median values of serum myokines and adipokines (except of leptin concentration) in both of the studied groups of children. We also found several correlations between myokine and adipokine levels and certain nutritional parameters. Serum myostatin was positively correlated with omentin levels in vegetarians and omnivores (p = 0.002). Serum irisin was positively associated with omentin (p = 0.045) levels in omnivores and inversely with visfatin concentration (p = 0.037) in vegetarians. Myostatin concentration was negatively correlated with the percentage of energy from protein (p = 0.014), calcium (p = 0.046), and vitamin A (p = 0.028) intakes in vegetarians and with dietary vitamin C (p = 0.041) and vitamin E (p = 0.021) intakes in omnivores. In multivariate regression analyses, positive correlations of serum myostatin with omentin levels were revealed in both study groups (ß = 0.437, p < 0.001 for vegetarians; and ß = 0.359, p = 0.001 for omnivores). Consuming a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet did not influence serum levels of myokines (myostatin, irisin) and adipokines such as adiponectin, visfatin, and omentin in prepubertal children. However, leptin levels were significantly lower in vegetarians compared with omnivores. The observed significant positive correlations between myostatin and omentin concentrations might suggest tissue cross-talk between skeletal muscle and fat tissue. Further studies, carried out in a larger group of children following different dietary patterns, could be important to fully understand the relations between muscle, adipose tissues, and nutrition.

Dietary Patterns of Children Aged 1-3 Years in Poland in Two Population Studies.

BACKGROUND: The levels of nutrition that children receive in their first years of life greatly determine their psychosomatic development. AIM: The study was to identify dietary patterns of children aged 1-3 years based on data on food consumption structure from 2 population studies performed in Poland (2011 and 2016) and to assess changes in product selection in the children's diets with respect to their nutritional status. METHODS: Both studies were performed on nationwide representative samples (2011: n = 400; 2016: n = 612) using questionnaire surveys. Nutritional status was estimated using body weight-to-height z-score. Feeding practices were evaluated based on 3-day dietary/food records, including 1 weekend day. RESULTS: Four dietary patterns of toddlers were identified and changes in the distribution of these patterns in the population after 5 years were analysed and compared. Diets of children in the second year of life were better balanced in terms of energy and nutritional value owing to young child formula content. Diets of children in the third year of life were higher in energy and protein, with a higher percentage of energy derived from saccharose. Diets of all groups of children were deficient in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D and potassium but excessive in sodium. CONCLUSIONS: Over 5 years, the percentage of children on a diet with high intake of formula for young children significantly decreased but increased on a diet with high dairy content. Dietary patterns of toddlers were associated with their weight by height z score and nutrient profile.

Bone status and adipokine levels in children on vegetarian and omnivorous diets.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) reflect bone status but not the dynamics of bone turnover. Biochemical markers, which show global skeletal activity, were validated for the assessment of bone formation and resorption processes. Adipokines also play a significant role in the regulation of bone metabolism. OBJECTIVE: To assess body composition, bone mineral density, bone turnover markers and adipokine levels in relation to vegetarian and omnivorous diets. METHODS: The study included 53 vegetarian and 53 omnivorous prepubertal healthy children matched for age and sex (median age 7.0 years). Body composition and BMD were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathormone levels were measured by chemiluminescence method. Serum carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (CICP), total osteocalcin (OC) and its forms carboxylated (c-OC) and undercarboxylated (uc-OC), C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of collagen type I (CTX), leptin and adiponectin levels were determined using immunoenzymatic assays. RESULTS: Both groups of children were comparable in terms of body composition, except for the percentage of fat mass, which was lower (19.24 vs. 21.77%, p = 0.018) in vegetarians. Mean values of total BMD z-score and lumbar spine BMD z-score were lower (-0.583 vs. -0.194, p = 0.009 and -0.877 vs. -0.496, p = 0.019, respectively) in vegetarians compared with omnivores. Serum leptin level was about 2-fold lower (1.39 vs. 2.94 ng/mL, p < 0.001) in vegetarians, however, adiponectin concentration was similar in both groups. Vegetarians had similar concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, but higher parathormone (40.8 vs. 32.1 pg/mL, p = 0.015) and CTX (1.94 vs. 1.76 ng/mL, p = 0.077) levels than omnivores. Total osteocalcin and CICP concentrations were comparable in both groups, however, c-OC/uc-OC ratio was higher (1.43 vs. 1.04 ng/mL, p < 0.05) in vegetarians. We found positive correlation between c-OC and nutritional parameters adjusted for total energy intake (plant protein, phosphorus, magnesium and fiber intakes) in vegetarian children. CONCLUSIONS: Prepubertal children on a vegetarian diet had significantly lower total and lumbar spine BMD z-scores, but absolute values of bone mineral density did not differ. BMD z-scores did not correlate with bone metabolism markers and nutritional variables, but were positively associated with anthropometric parameters. Lower leptin levels in vegetarian children reflect lower body fat. Longitudinal studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of the observed association on bone health at adulthood.

Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Inflammatory Adipokine Profiles in Children on Vegetarian and Omnivorous Diets.

Adipose tissue is a highly active endocrine organ that secrets many pro-inflammatory as well anti-inflammatory adipokines. The aim of the study was to assess serum adipokine profile in prepubertal vegetarian and omnivorous children. Sixty-two children on a vegetarian diet and fifty-five children on an omnivorous diet, aged 5 to 10 years, were studied. Dietary assessment was performed using a nutritional software program. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum concentrations of adipokines: leptin, soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), adiponectin (total and high molecular weight), resistin, visfatin, vaspin, and omentin were determined by immunoenzymatic assays. Both studied groups of children were comparable in terms of age, weight, height, body mass index, and body composition. Vegetarians had a lower (p = 0.017) leptin/sOB-R ratio and lower serum concentrations of resistin (p = 0.051), compared with omnivores. Average levels of other adipokines did not differ between both groups of children. However, we observed significantly higher ratios of anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory adipokines: adiponectin/leptin 0.70 (0.37⁻0.93) vs 0.39 (0.28⁻0.74), p = 0.005, and omentin/leptin 0.40 (0.23⁻0.83) vs. 0.33 (0.15⁻0.48), p = 0.011 in vegetarians compared with omnivores. A well-planned vegetarian diet might beneficially affect the adipokine profile and inflammatory status expressed by the ratios of anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory adipokines in prepubertal children.

Oxidative and Antioxidative Status of Children with Celiac Disease Treated with a Gluten Free-Diet.

AIMS: Oxidative stress is a factor involved in the pathogenesis of celiac disease (CD), possibly affecting the course of the disease and celiac-related complications. We assessed the intensity of oxidative processes and the efficiency of antioxidant defense in children with celiac disease. Methods. Group I (n = 32) consisted of children with CD treated with a gluten-free diet, and group II (n = 24) consisted of healthy children on a traditional diet. Antioxidative and oxidative status was assessed by measurement of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and on the basis of oxidative stress index (OSI). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in serum TAC, TOC, ox-LDL, and OSI between children with CD and healthy children. Cluster analysis showed that the group of children with CD is not homogeneous in terms of serum TAC and TOC levels. About 50% of these children had TAC levels < 1.3 mmol/L and TOC levels > 0.35 mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet by children with CD seems to be important for maintaining oxidative-antioxidant balance. However, further research is needed to identify factors potentially responsible for increased oxidative stress in some children with celiac disease despite adherence to a gluten-free diet.

The Assessment of Bone Regulatory Pathways, Bone Turnover, and Bone Mineral Density in Vegetarian and Omnivorous Children.

Vegetarian diets contain many beneficial properties as well as carry a risk of inadequate intakes of several nutrients important to bone health. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum levels of bone metabolism markers and to analyze the relationships between biochemical bone markers and anthropometric parameters in children on vegetarian and omnivorous diets. The study included 70 prepubertal children on a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet and 60 omnivorous children. Body composition, bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Biochemical markers-bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), osteoprotegerin (OPG), nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), sclerostin, and Dickkopf-related protein 1 (Dkk-1)-were measured using immunoenzymatic assays. In vegetarians, we observed a significantly higher level of BALP (p = 0.002) and CTX-I (p = 0.027), and slightly lower spine BMC (p = 0.067) and BMD (p = 0.060) than in omnivores. Concentrations of OPG, RANKL, sclerostin, and Dkk-1 were comparable in both groups of children. We found that CTX-I was positively correlated with BMC, total BMD, and lumbar spine BMD in vegetarians, but not in omnivores. A well-planned vegetarian diet with proper dairy and egg intake does not lead to significantly lower bone mass; however, children following a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet had a higher rate of bone turnover and subtle changes in bone regulatory markers. CTX-I might be an important marker for the protection of vegetarians from bone abnormalities.

Polish Adaptation And Validation Of The Physical Appearance Comparison Scale (Pacs) - An Analysis Among Young People In Late Adolescence In The Context Of Obesity.

INTRODUCTION: The PACS scale is a tool which is widely used in foreign studies to evaluate the tendency towards appearance comparisons in social situations. People inclined to make such comparisons reveal a higher level of dissatisfaction with their body and a higher inclination towards problem eating. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The main purpose of the study was to adapt the PACS scale. A factor structure assessment and reliability analysis of the Polish version was carried out. The correlation between PACS and pubertal development indicators, the body mass index and psycho-social factors and eating behaviours were evaluated as part of the validity analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data were derived from the Internet-based study of problem eating behaviours conducted by the Institute of Mother and Child during the 2014/2015 school year. The analyses covered 1285 second grade upper secondary school students (47.2% boys). The mean age was 17.59 years (SD=0.39). An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the PACS questionnaire was performed. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test or the Pearson's r correlation, the association between (PACSPL) and perceived pubertal timing, BMI, the body image (BIS), self-perception of body mass, self-esteem (RSES), self-esteem in social relations (SPPA-SSE), problem eating behaviours (TFEQ-13) were evaluated. The linear regression method was used to estimate the impact of PACS-PL on selected variables in the BMI groups in order to investigate of the moderation effect. RESULTS: The shortened 3-item Polish version of the scale (PACS-PL) was considered optimal. It is characterized by high reliability (Cronbach's α=0.868), and the main factor explains 79.1% of the variance of the scale results. The model also shows high values of fit indicators: χ2 = 1.144 (df=1, p=0.285), GFI=0.999, AGFI=0.996, CFI=1.000, NFI=0.999, TLI-1.000, RMSEA=0.011. Girls display a stronger tendency to compare their appearance with others. The PACS-PL scale demonstrates the expected correlations with developmental, psycho-social and behavioural factors, this correlation being stronger among girls. It was also shown that the PACS-PL index is a stronger predictor of dissatisfaction with the body and lower self-esteem in the group of obese adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The Polish version of the scale, PACS-PL, is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating the tendency to compare one's appearance with others in late adolescence. The subject of social comparison ought to become an element of prevention activities associated with acceptance of one's body and selfesteem, especially among young people with excess body weight.

Dietary patterns in toddlers with excess weight. The 2016 pitnuts study.

INTRODUCTION: Children's appropriate dietary pattern determines their optimal development, reduces the risk of childhood diseases and the risk of diet-dependent diseases, including obesity in adulthood. AIM: To analyze the dietary patterns of children with excess weight aged 1-3 years in comparison with the main components of the safe nutrition model including: the organization of meals (frequency of meals), selection of products (food intake), energy and nutritional value of children's diets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 2016 on a representative nationwide sample of children aged 5-36 months (n=1059). The analysis of dietary patterns covered 173 with excess weight children aged 13-36 months (BMI-z-score >1 SD). Their nutritional status was evaluated based on BMI and its standardisation according to the WHO reference child growth standards for children aged 0-5 years (BMI z-score). The diets of children were assessed using 3-day dietary records. The dietary patterns of the children who were analysed were determined using the cluster analysis (k-means method), including 11 variables concerning average daily intake of main food group products (cow's milk, junior formula, milk products, bread, groats and rice, cereals, cured meats, fats, sugar and sweets, fruits, nectars and juices). RESULTS: Three clusters of overweight and obese children with different dietary patterns were identified. The diet of children from the first cluster (n=58) was based primarily on junior formula and foods for infants and toddlers. This dietary pattern was defined as the "baby food diet". The second cluster comprised 33 children whose diets were characterised by high consumption of cow's milk and dairy products, as well as cereal products, including bread, groats, rice and breakfast cereals. This dietary pattern was defined the "milk and cereals diet". The third cluster consisted of 82 children whose dietary pattern was characterised by high consumption of bread, cold meats and fats, sweets, juices and fruits (the "sandwich and sugar diet"). In all the clusters the average intake of vegetables and fruit by children with excess weight was significantly lower than the recommended amounts. The study showed too high intake of energy, protein, sodium, B vitamins and saccharose and an insufficient supply of calcium, fibre, vitamin D, vitamin E, LCPUFA, iodine and potassium in the children's diet in reference to nutritional recommendations. Younger children with the "baby food diet" pattern, due to the contribution of enriched food, had a more balanced diet in relation to the model of safe nutrition (nutritional norms). Older children's diets - in the third year of life, were characterized by a diversified choice of products that are a source of protein and carbohydrates (milk, breakfast cereals, meat, bread, cold meats, sugar from beverages, dairy desserts and juices). CONCLUSION: The identified dietary patterns of toddlers with excess weight differ from the safe nutrition model in terms of product selection and nutrient profile.

Nutrition of infants and young children in Poland - Pitnuts 2016.

The study evaluating the feeding practices and the nutritional status of children aged 5 to 36 months in a general, Polish, representative population (n=1059) was carried out from May to July 2016. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feeding practices in children aged 5 to 36 months with regard to models of safe nutrition on the basis of the outcome of the population study performed in 2016. The data obtained show that the feeding practices in children in their first year of life do not meet the guidelines presented in the model of safe nutrition, particularly in matters of timing of complementary feeding introduction and food choice. The analysis of nutrient profile in toddlers' diets indicated the differentiated energy and protein intake is significantly higher than population norms (EAR/AI). It is necessary to modify the nutrition of infants and young children through a better selection of products. Nutritional practice should always be monitored and modified according to the model of safe nutrition as part of medical nutritional counselling. More educational efforts are required to increase the awareness of the relation between the diet and nutritional status of young children among healthcare professionals.

Serum Hepcidin and Soluble Transferrin Receptor in the Assessment of Iron Metabolism in Children on a Vegetarian Diet.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vegetarian diet on iron metabolism parameters paying special attention to serum hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentrations in 43 prepubertal children (age range 4.5-9.0 years) on vegetarian and in 46 children on omnivorous diets. There were no significant differences according to age, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) between vegetarian and omnivorous children. Vegetarians had similar intake of iron and vitamin B12 and a significantly higher intake of vitamin C (p < 0.05) compared with non-vegetarians. Hematologic parameters and serum iron concentrations were within the reference range in both groups of children. Serum transferrin levels were similar in all subjects; however, ferritin concentrations were significantly (p < 0.01) lower in vegetarians than in omnivores. In children on a vegetarian diet, median hepcidin levels were lower (p < 0.05) but sTfR concentrations significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared with omnivorous children. In the multivariate regression model, we observed associations between hepcidin level and ferritin concentration (ß = 0.241, p = 0.05) in the whole group of children as well as between hepcidin concentration and CRP level (ß = 0.419, p = 0.047) in vegetarians. We did not find significant associations with concentration of sTfR and selected biochemical, anthropometric, and dietary parameters in any of the studied groups of children. As hematologic parameters and iron concentrations in vegetarians and omnivores were comparable and ferritin level was lower in vegetarians, we suggest that inclusion of novel markers, in particular sTfR (not cofounded by inflammation) and hepcidin, can better detect subclinical iron deficiency in children following vegetarian diets.

Dietary intake of vitamin D in obese children aged 1-3 years.

BACKGROUND: Obese children are predisposed to vitamin D deficiency. Most of the findings suggest that requirement for vitamin D is increased in obese children due to this vitamin sequestration in adipose tissue. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate dietary intake of vitamin D in children with simple obesity in relation to nutritional standards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 73 children aged 1-3 years: 38 with simple obesity (group I) and 35 non-obese ones (group II - control). The inclusion criterion for the obese group was BMI z-score > +2.0, for the control group BMI z-score between -1.0 and +1.0.The intake of vitamin D was estimated using the Dieta 5.0 software on the basis of 3-days dietary record. Outcomes were related to nutritional standards. Differences in intake of energy and nutrients between both groups were assessed using the Mann-Whitney test (statistical significance was set at p = 0.05). RESULTS: Vitamin D intake in both groups was below the nutritional standards (10 µg/400 IU). Median values / interquartile ranges of results were 2.0 / 1.3-5.9 µg and 4.0 / 1.1-7.6 µg daily, for obese and non-obese children, respectively. The risk of deficient vitamin D intake was observed in 94.7% of obese children and in 82.4% of control group. The main dietary source of vitamin D in both groups was growing-up milk/Junior formula. The median intake of energy, protein, fat and carbohydrates in the obese children were significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In obese children aged 1-3 years adequate dietary intake of vitamin D was not achieved. Similarly, the intake of vitamin D by normal weight children was lower than recommended. Consequently, it is necessary to provide products rich in vitamin D in the diet of toddlers, particularly obese.

Profiles of selected nutrients affecting skin condition in children with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammation of the skin recognised to be one of the first clinical signs of allergy. In the first years of life, epidemiological evidence has demonstrated that common causative foods of a child's diet are: cow's milk, hen's eggs, wheat and soya. Children with AD being treated with elimination diets are at risk of nutritional deficiencies that include those nutrients required for ensuring proper skin structure and function. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess dietary intake of nutrients which affect skin condition in children with AD being treated with a milk-free diet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subjects were 25 children aged 4-6 years with AD undergoing the milk exclusion diet and 25 age-matched healthy controls. The energy and nutritional value of diets were evaluated that included those components affecting skin condition; ie. vitamins A, D, E, B2 and C; minerals iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn); polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The Dieta 5.0 programme was used for dietary assessment and outcomes were then related to dietary recommendations. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups in mean energy values and mean intakes of protein, fats and carbohydrates (p>0.05). The percentage of subjects with low energy value were 44% and 36% in respectively Groups I and II. Deficiencies of fat intake were observed in 60% in Group I and 44% in Group II. There were however no risks in the dietary intakes of protein, carbohydrate, vitamins A, B2 and C nor of Fe and Zn. Deficiencies of dietary intakes were observed in respectively Groups I and II in the following; vitamin E (24% vs 64%), vitamin D (36% vs 92%), linoleic acid (36% vs 72%), α-linolenic acid (36% vs 40%) and long chain PUFAs (96% in both groups). CONCLUSIONS: Ensuring recommended dietary supply of those nutrients affecting skin condition is required for both groups of children. Children with AD had better balanced diets in respect of the studied nutrients that may reflect the influence of continuous healthcare received from physicians and dieticians.

Assessment of vitamin D status in children aged 1-5 with simple obesity.

BACKGROUND: Proper vitamin D intake is important due to its pleiotropic effect. It seems that obese population is a groups at risk of the vitamin D deficiency. OBJECTIVE: To assess the vitamin D status in 1-5-year-old children with simple obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 100 children: classified according to their body mass index (BMI) as obese - Group I (n=50) and non-obese - Group II (n=50). Their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were determined in the spring-summer and autumn-winter seasons and vitamin D intake (diet/supplements) was assessed. The study results were statistically analysed by means of Statistica 10PL. RESULTS: In Group I the mean serum 25(OH)D level was 23.6±10.8 ng/ml, while in Group II it reached 26.6±9.8 ng/ml (p=0.08). The concentration ≤30 ng/ml was observed in 80% of children in Group I and in 70% of Group II. In autumn- winter and spring-summer period, respectively, 88.5% and 70.9% of the obese children had an insufficient vitamin D status (p=0.002). The mean daily intake of vitamin D was 128 IU (3.2 µg) in Group I and 188 IU (4.7 µg) in Group II. CONCLUSIONS: Children aged 1-5 (obese and non-obese) are a group at risk of the vitamin D deficiency, as a consequence of its insufficient intake and the lack of appropriate supplementation. Those particularly exposed to that risk are obese children in the autumn-winter season. Children aged 1-5 should be monitored with regard to their vitamin D status. KEY WORDS: vitamin D, obesity, children, obese children, vitamin D deficiency.

Biochemical markers of bone metabolism in children with cow's milk allergy.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with cow's milk allergy (CMA) and following a cow milk protein-free diet for a long time are potentially at risk of developing bone abnormalities. To assess the balance between bone formation and resorption processes, we determined serum concentrations of osteocalcin (OC), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), fetuin-A, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) in children with CMA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 50 prepubertal children with diagnosed cow's milk allergy, who were under systematic medical and nutritional care at the Institute of Mother and Child and 40 healthy counterparts as a control group. The concentrations of bone metabolism markers were determined by immunoenzymatic assays. RESULTS: The diets of all investigated children were correct in terms of phosphorus and magnesium contents but deficient in terms of calcium and vitamin D. Serum OC and CTX as well as fetuin-A concentrations were similar in both studied groups. The BALP activity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in children with cow's milk allergy than in the controls. Serum OPG concentration was comparable in both groups, but the RANKL level was higher (p < 0.05) in CMA children than in healthy ones. Hence, the ratio of OPG/RANKL was lower in children with CMA. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates slight disturbances in the profile of bone metabolism markers in growing children with CMA. The increase in RANKL level and decrease in OPG/RANKL ratio may contribute to intensification of bone resorption in these patients.