Comparative 25-OH-vitamin D level in institutionalized women older than 65 years from two cities in Spain and Argentina having a similar solar radiation index.

Objective: The present study evaluated and compared vitamin D nutritional status and calcium-phosphorus metabolism in institutionalized women >65 y from two cities that have a similar sun irradiation index (heliophany).

Methods: The study was carried out in women living in similar social-status institutions from geographic cities having a similar solar radiation index (Lleida, Spain, n=49, and suburban Buenos Aires, Argentina [BA], n=48) at the end of summer.

Results: Fish consumption was higher in the Lleida group, as was red-meat consumption in the BA group.

The molar ratio of retinol-binding protein to transthyretin in the assessment of vitamin A status in adults. Proposal of a cut-off point.

The molar ratio of retinol-binding protein to transthyretin (RBP:TTR) has been proposed as an indirect method to assess vitamin A status in children with inflammation. Neither reference values nor appropriate cut-off point are available for adults. RBP, TTR and retinol were determined in plasma from 100 healthy adults and 31 low-risk surgical patients with no inflammatory response.