Carotenoids, Retinol, and Intestinal Barrier Function in Children From Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the association of carotenoids and retinol (vitamin A) with intestinal barrier function in children in an urban community in Fortaleza, northeastern Brazil. Methods: Descriptive analysis of serum carotenoids and retinol concentrations with intestinal barrier function in 102 children from an urban community, July 2000 to August 2001. Results: The weight for height z score (wasting) showed that 19.6% (20/102) had mild malnutrition (−1 to −2 z score). All of the children's serum retinol concentrations were determined and none were severely deficient (≤0.35 μmol/L), 2.9% (3/102) were moderately (0.36–0.70 μmol/L) deficient, 20.6% (21/102) were mildly (0.71–1.05 μmol/L) deficient; 76.5% (78/102) were vitamin A sufficient (>1.05 μmol/L). The lactulose:mannitol (L/M) ratio was elevated (≥0.0864) in 49% (47/97) of children when compared with healthy children with normal L/M ratio (