Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Krakow, Poland.
St. Louis Children Hospital, 31-503 Krakow, Poland.
Nutrients. 2024 Oct 7;16(19):3401. doi: 10.3390/nu16193401.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Malnutrition is a significant concern in paediatric populations, particularly among children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). This study aimed to examine macronutrient and micronutrient imbalances and assess the nutritional status of a group of patients with FASD.
This study involved an analysis of the serum levels of key nutrients in a group of children diagnosed with FASD. Macronutrients and micronutrients were measured to identify any imbalances, including vitamin D, B12, E, A, albumin, and serum protein, among others.
The study found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the patients. Additionally, elevated serum concentrations of micronutrients such as vitamin B12, E, and A were observed in 8%, 7%, and 19% of patients, respectively. Macronutrient imbalances were noted, including high levels of albumin and serum protein, indicating a possible metabolic disturbance. Unexpectedly, high rates of hypercholesterolemia were observed, raising concerns about an increased risk of metabolic syndrome in this population.
These findings suggest that the principal issue among patients with FASD is an altered metabolism rather than nutritional deficiencies. Potential causes of these abnormalities could include oxidative stress and changes in body composition. The results underline the need for further research to better understand the unique nutritional challenges in children with FASD and to guide the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
背景/目的：营养不良是儿科人群，尤其是胎儿酒精谱系障碍（FASD）等神经发育障碍儿童的一个严重问题。本研究旨在检查宏量营养素和微量营养素失衡情况，并评估一组 FASD 患者的营养状况。
本研究分析了一组被诊断为 FASD 的儿童的血清关键营养素水平。测量宏量营养素和微量营养素，以确定是否存在失衡，包括维生素 D、B12、E、A、白蛋白和血清蛋白等。
研究发现患者中维生素 D 缺乏的患病率很高。此外，8%、7%和 19%的患者分别出现血清中微量营养素如维生素 B12、E 和 A 的浓度升高。观察到宏量营养素失衡，包括白蛋白和血清蛋白水平升高，表明可能存在代谢紊乱。出人意料的是，观察到高胆固醇血症的发生率很高，这让人担忧该人群代谢综合征的风险增加。
这些发现表明，FASD 患者的主要问题是代谢改变而非营养缺乏。这些异常的潜在原因可能包括氧化应激和身体成分的变化。结果强调了需要进一步研究，以更好地了解 FASD 儿童的独特营养挑战，并指导制定有针对性的治疗策略。
