vitamin-b-12 and Ascariasis

In summary, it appears that giardiasis, coccidiosis, cryptosporidiosis, strongyloidiasis, capillariasis and perhaps P. falciparum malaria are the only parasitic diseases which cause malabsorption of many nutrients. D. latum and A. lumbricoides interfere with vitamin B12 and vitamin A absorption, respectively. In view of the increasing use of immunosuppressive therapy, it is likely that malabsorption caused by intestinal parasites may become even more evident in the future.

Topics: Ancylostomiasis; Apicomplexa; Ascariasis; Capillaria; Coccidiosis; Diphyllobothriasis; Giardiasis; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Malabsorption Syndromes; Malaria; Nematode Infections; Plasmodium falciparum; Protozoan Infections; Schistosomiasis; Strongyloidiasis; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12

Asymptomatic small intestinal disease characterized by abnormalities of structure and function has been reported from many developing countries. Abnormalities of structure include changes in villus architecture and in appearance under both the light and the electron microscope. Changes in function include abnormalities in the absorption of xylose, fat, vitamin B(12), amino acids, and dipeptides and excessive faecal losses of nitrogen and energy. The etiology of the condition is unknown but appears to be closely related to exposure to the environment. The nutritional consequences of this condition have not been fully explored but for people living on marginally sufficient dietary intakes they may be extremely important.

Topics: Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascariasis; Developing Countries; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Intestine, Small; Intestines; Lipid Metabolism; Malabsorption Syndromes; Protein Deficiency; Tropical Climate; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Xylose

The role of gastrointestinal infection as a factor determining vitamin B12 status in populations with low intake of animal-source foods is unclear.. To determine dietary adequacy and serum concentrations of vitamin B12 in an extremely impoverished indigenous population of Panamanian children aged 12 to 60 months, and to identify predictors of both dietary and serum vitamin B12.. A previous community-based survey provided the usual dietary intake and personal, household, and infection (Ascaris and diarrheal disease) information for 209 weaned children. Serum vitamin B12 was assayed using electrochemiluminescence for 65 of these children. Children with adequate or inadequate dietary vitamin B12 intake were compared, and predictors of dietary and serum vitamin B12 were identified using stepwise regression analyses of one index child per household.. Dietary vitamin B12 intake was inadequate in 43% of children; these children were poorer, had less frequent diarrhea, and obtained a higher percentage of their energy from carbohydrate than children with adequate intake. Energy intake positively predicted dietary vitamin B12 intake. In contrast, serum vitamin B12 concentrations were normal in all but 3% of the children. Serum vitamin B12 was positively associated with weekly servings of fruit, corn-based food, and name (a traditional starchy food), but not with animal-source foods. Finally, serum vitamin B12 was not associated with Ascaris intensity but was lowered with increasing frequency of diarrhea.. Although inadequate dietary intake of vitamin B12 was common, most serum values were normal. Nevertheless, diarrheal disease emerged as a negative predictor of serum vitamin B12 concentration.

Topics: Ascariasis; Child, Preschool; Diarrhea; Diarrhea, Infantile; Diet; Energy Intake; Family Characteristics; Humans; Indians, Central American; Infant; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Status; Panama; Poverty; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Topics: Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascariasis; Erythrocytes; Folic Acid; Hematocrit; Hemoglobinometry; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Infant Nutrition Disorders; Iron; Nutrition Disorders; Philippines; Protein Binding; Transferrin; Trichuriasis; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Anemia; Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascariasis; Blood Proteins; Child; Deficiency Diseases; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Hematocrit; Hemoglobinometry; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Iron; Male; Philippines; Transferrin; Trichuriasis; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Topics: Animals; Ascariasis; Ascorbic Acid; Chickens; Corrinoids; Folic Acid; Thymus Gland; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins