Vitamins A and E Serum Levels in Children and Young Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Effect of Disease Activity

BACKGROUND:Hypovitaminosis and fat-soluble vitamin deficiency have been reported in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A prospective study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of low serum levels of vitamins A and E in children and young adults with IBD. METHODS:Clinical information and serum for vitamin levels was gathered prospectively from 61 patients with Crohn's disease, 36 patients with ulcerative colitis, and 23 control subjects. Disease activity and disease location were determined for IBD patients. Serum retinol and alpha-tocopherol levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS:The prevalence of hypovitaminosis A (defined as serum vitamin A