Vitamin D deficiency in a pediatric population with sickle cell disease.

Pediatric patients with sickle cell disease and vitamin D deficiency have worse clinical and laboratory outcomes. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this population and identify possible risk factors for hypovitaminosis D by performing a cross-sectional study with children aged 3-18 years old with sickle cell disease. Sixty patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 10.

Contributions of Fat and Fatty Acids Intake to the Latin American Diet: Results of ELANS Study.

Background/objectives: Fats, although essential for the proper functioning of the body, have been linked to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake of total fat and its components (saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fats) in men and women aged 15 to 65 years of the urban population in eight Latin American countries.

Methods: Survey data were collected from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS, by its acronym in Spanish), an epidemiological study, including 9218 subjects from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

Hydration profile of the Latin American population and the contribution of total daily pure water. The ELANS study.

Introduction: water is a crucial component of human health useful for various bodily functions. Despite its importance, previous research has largely overlooked hydration in Latin America, focusing instead on regions with greater access to a variety of food sources. Objective: hence, this study provides comprehensive data on water consumption patterns in this region and analyses the hydration profiles of urban Latin American populations, emphasizing the role of pure water in daily intake.

Inadequate Intake of Choline and Essential Fatty Acids in Latin American Childbearing-Age Women as a Regional Pre-Conceptional Disadvantage: ELANS Results.

Background/objectives: Choline and essential fatty acids (EFA) are vital for fetal brain development, supporting pregnancy, and maintaining hormonal balance. They also promote overall health. The childbearing years present a window of opportunity to increase the intake of these key nutrients and develop healthy dietary habits.

Measurement of mid-upper arm circumference to screen for childhood malnutrition: General applicability and use in special populations.

Since the development of consensus-recommended indicators for pediatric malnutrition in 2014, screening and diagnosis of pediatric malnutrition have improved, but the indicators are not always used; malnutrition continues to be underdiagnosed in some community and healthcare settings. In particular, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is underused as a screening indicator for pediatric malnutrition, despite its unique advantages and usefulness in several clinical situations. In December 2022, a scientific roundtable was held to bring together several experts in pediatric malnutrition.