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