Polymorphisms of the Vitamin D Binding Protein (VDBP) and Free Vitamin D in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

Objectives/background: Vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) and free vitamin D are new markers that are being studied as a possible markers of vitamin D status. The main aim of our study was to analyze the VDBP genotype and quantify the levels of free vitamin D in a sample of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional, and prospective study including patients with CF and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency who were clinically stable.

Oxidative markers in children with severe obesity following low-calorie diets supplemented with mandarin juice.

Aim:  To evaluate the effect of supplementing a hypocaloric diet with mandarin juice, a food with a high content of antioxidants (vitamin C, flavonoids and carotenoids), on biomarkers of oxidant/antioxidant status of severe obese children.

Methods:  Forty obese children were randomized into two groups pair-wise in a 4-week controlled intervention study. Both groups followed a hypocaloric diet.