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Bizerea-Moga TO, Pitulice L, Bizerea-Spiridon O, Moga TV. Exploring the Link between Oxidative Stress, Selenium Levels, and Obesity in Youth. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7276. [PMID: 39000383 PMCID: PMC11242909 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a worldwide increasing concern. Although in adults this is easily estimated with the body mass index, in children, who are constantly growing and whose bodies are changing, the reference points to assess weight status are age and gender, and need corroboration with complementary data, making their quantification highly difficult. The present review explores the interaction spectrum of oxidative stress, selenium status, and obesity in children and adolescents. Any factor related to oxidative stress that triggers obesity and, conversely, obesity that induces oxidative stress are part of a vicious circle, a complex chain of mechanisms that derive from each other and reinforce each other with serious health consequences. Selenium and its compounds exhibit key antioxidant activity and also have a significant role in the nutritional evaluation of obese children. The balance of selenium intake, retention, and metabolism emerges as a vital aspect of health, reflecting the complex interactions between diet, oxidative stress, and obesity. Understanding whether selenium status is a contributor to or a consequence of obesity could inform nutritional interventions and public health strategies aimed at preventing and managing obesity from an early age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teofana Otilia Bizerea-Moga
- Department XI of Pediatrics-1st Pediatric Discipline, Center for Research on Growth and Developmental Disorders in Children, ‘Victor Babeș’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq No 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- 1st Pediatric Clinic, ‘Louis Țurcanu’ Children’s Clinical and Emergency Hospital, Iosif Nemoianu 2, 300011 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Laura Pitulice
- Department of Biology-Chemistry, West University of Timişoara, Pestallozi 16, 300115 Timişoara, Romania;
- The Institute for Advanced Environmental Research (ICAM), Popa Şapcă 4C, 300054 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Otilia Bizerea-Spiridon
- Department of Biology-Chemistry, West University of Timişoara, Pestallozi 16, 300115 Timişoara, Romania;
- The Institute for Advanced Environmental Research (ICAM), Popa Şapcă 4C, 300054 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Voicu Moga
- Department VII of Internal Medicine-Gastroenterology Discipline, Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, ‘Victor Babeș’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq No 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinic, ‘Pius Brînzeu’ County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723 Timișoara, Romania
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Koźlenia D, Popowczak M, Szafraniec R, Alvarez C, Domaradzki J. Changes in Muscle Mass and Strength in Adolescents Following High-Intensity Functional Training with Bodyweight Resistance Exercises in Physical Education Lessons. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3400. [PMID: 38929929 PMCID: PMC11204247 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The growing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and declining physical fitness among children and adolescents due to sedentary lifestyles has increased attention toward preventive intervention to tackle this issue. This study investigated the age-related effects of high-intensity functional training (HIFT), based on bodyweight resistance exercises conducted during physical education lessons, on muscle mass and strength improvement. (2) Methods: Adolescent males (n = 116) were allocated to four HIFT experimental groups (EGs) and four standard physical education program control groups (CGs) according to age (15, 16, 17, and 18 years [y]). The changes in muscle mass (absolute and relative to height [SMI]), hand-grip strength (HGS), sit-ups (SUs), and standing broad jump (SBJ) were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni tests. (3) Results: HIFT significantly increased muscle mass and scores in all strength tests (p < 0.01), while chronological age was significant for HGS (p < 0.01). Interactions between HIFT and chronological age categories were observed for HGS (p = 0.01) and SBJ (p < 0.03). Detailed post hoc tests revealed improvement in muscle mass across all chronological age categories for both approaches (p < 0.05). The 18y-EG group improved HGS over their control peers (p < 0.01), the EG groups significantly improved their SU results (p < 0.01), and SBJ improved in the 15y-EG and 18y-EG groups compared to their control (p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: This research highlights the effectiveness of a school-based HIFT program in promoting muscle mass gains and enhancing muscle strength among adolescents. The findings offer valuable insights for implementing bodyweight exercises during physical education classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Koźlenia
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland; (D.K.); (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Marek Popowczak
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland; (D.K.); (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Rafał Szafraniec
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland; (D.K.); (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Cristian Alvarez
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile;
| | - Jarosław Domaradzki
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland; (D.K.); (M.P.); (R.S.)
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Özer Ö, Uyhan O, Devrilmez E, Orhan İ, Bilgiç M, Uğurlu A, Tabak EY, Yüksel O, Şentürk A, Karakullukçu A, Eler N, Özcan K, Akpınar S. The relationship between attitude toward physical activity and weight gain in children and young adolescence. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1300613. [PMID: 38774299 PMCID: PMC11106473 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1300613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between attitudes toward physical activity and weight gain among children and young adolescents with an additional focus on the impact of gender on these attitudes. Methods Employing a descriptive survey method, data were systematically gathered via purposive sampling from 11 specific cities in Türkiye, ensuring representation from all seven regions. A total of 3,138 students, aged between 9 and 14 years, participated in this study, with a distribution of 46% girls and 54% boys. To assess the attitudes of children and young adolescents toward physical activity, the Youth Physical Activity Attitude Scale was utilized. Height and body weight measurements were taken to determine the body mass index of participants. SPSS 26.0 software facilitated the statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation analysis to explore relationships between variables. Multivariate Analysis of Variance was employed to evaluate the impact of age, BMI, and gender on attitudes toward physical activity. Results Participants classified as normal weight exhibited a more positive attitude towards physical activity compared to their obese and overweight counterparts. Moreover, a significant gender difference emerged, with boys demonstrating significantly higher positive attitudes toward physical activity than girls. However, no significant difference was observed in negative attitudes based on gender. The study also revealed that an escalation in negative attitudes towards physical activity correlated with students being categorized as underweight, overweight, or obese, as opposed to having a normal weight status. Additionally, a statistically significant divergence in both positive and negative attitudes towards physical activity was found based on age. Specifically, the results indicated that students aged 9 and 14 exhibited lower levels of positive attitude when contrasted with their counterparts of different age groups. Conversely, in the domain of negative attitudes, students at the age of 9 scored higher than their peers in other age categories. Discussion Attitudes towards physical activity can serve as a convenient indicator and guide for assessing the effectiveness of various practices or interventions aimed at promoting physical activity, with recognition of the significant gender difference in positive attitudes among children and young adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Özer
- Faculty of Sport Science, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Balıkesir, Türkiye
| | - Osman Uyhan
- Institute of Health Science, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Balıkesir, Türkiye
| | - Erhan Devrilmez
- Faculty of Sport Science, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Türkiye
| | - İlkay Orhan
- Faculty of Sport Science, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Mert Bilgiç
- Faculty of Sport Science, Department of Coaching Education, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Alkan Uğurlu
- Faculty of Sport Science, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Ekrem Yasin Tabak
- Institute of Social Science, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Türkiye
| | - Oğuzhan Yüksel
- Faculty of Sport Science, Department of Recreation, Dumlupınar University, Kütahya, Türkiye
| | - Aydın Şentürk
- Faculty of Sport Science, Department of Coaching Education, Dumlupınar University, Kütahya, Türkiye
| | - Ayla Karakullukçu
- Faculty of Sport Science, Department of Sport Management, Kırıkkale University, Kırkkale, Türkiye
| | - Nebahat Eler
- School of Physical Education and Sport, Department of Coaching Education, Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Türkiye
| | - Kürşat Özcan
- Faculty of Sport Science, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Nevşehir, Türkiye
| | - Selçuk Akpınar
- Faculty of Sport Science, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Nevşehir, Türkiye
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Azevedo-Martins AK, Santos MP, Abayomi J, Ferreira NJR, Evangelista FS. The Impact of Excessive Fructose Intake on Adipose Tissue and the Development of Childhood Obesity. Nutrients 2024; 16:939. [PMID: 38612973 PMCID: PMC11013923 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, childhood obesity cases continue to rise, and its prevalence is known to increase the risk of non-communicable diseases typically found in adults, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thus, comprehending its multiple causes to build healthier approaches and revert this scenario is urgent. Obesity development is strongly associated with high fructose intake since the excessive consumption of this highly lipogenic sugar leads to white fat accumulation and causes white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysregulated adipokine release. Unfortunately, the global consumption of fructose has increased dramatically in recent years, which is associated with the fact that fructose is not always evident to consumers, as it is commonly added as a sweetener in food and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). Therefore, here, we discuss the impact of excessive fructose intake on adipose tissue biology, its contribution to childhood obesity, and current strategies for reducing high fructose and/or free sugar intake. To achieve such reductions, we conclude that it is important that the population has access to reliable information about food ingredients via food labels. Consumers also need scientific education to understand potential health risks to themselves and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Karenina Azevedo-Martins
- Group of Study in Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil; (M.P.S.); (N.J.R.F.); (F.S.E.)
| | - Matheus Pedro Santos
- Group of Study in Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil; (M.P.S.); (N.J.R.F.); (F.S.E.)
| | - Julie Abayomi
- School of Medicine and Nutrition, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK;
| | - Natália Juliana Ramos Ferreira
- Group of Study in Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil; (M.P.S.); (N.J.R.F.); (F.S.E.)
| | - Fabiana S. Evangelista
- Group of Study in Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil; (M.P.S.); (N.J.R.F.); (F.S.E.)
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Chowdhury K, Sinha S, Kumar S, Haque M, Ahmad R. Constipation: A Pristine Universal Pediatric Health Delinquent. Cureus 2024; 16:e52551. [PMID: 38249647 PMCID: PMC10797657 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Constipation suffered by children is a global public health problem. Functional constipation (FC) brings about deteriorating effects in the children's lives who suffer from it. The risk factors for the development of constipation include the consumption of a diet low in fiber and high in calories (such as the consumption of fast food), a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of exercise, a family history of constipation, and emotional and psychological stress endured by children in their families. It is one of the most common causes of stomachaches in children. FC may lead to fecal incontinence (FI), anal fissures, recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI), and enuresis in children. Severe constipation may result in stool becoming rock-hard and inflexible in the rectum, which is clinically identified as fecal impaction. It is imperative to perform clinical evaluation and treatment, including pharmacological (the use of stimulant and osmotic laxatives) and non-pharmacological (education, changes in diet, intervention to promote positive behavior and address any emotional issues, toilet training, and physiotherapy for the pelvic floor) interventions. In the case of refractory patients, neuromodulation, the irrigation of the anal canal, and surgical management may be needed. It is essential to lead a healthy, stress-free lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a balanced diet rich in fiber (such as fruits and vegetables) so children can have regular bowel habits and thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kona Chowdhury
- Department of Pediatrics, Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College, Dhaka, BGD
| | - Susmita Sinha
- Department of Physiology, Khulna City Medical College and Hospital, Khulna, BGD
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Periodontology and Implantology, Karnavati School of Dentistry, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, IND
| | - Mainul Haque
- Karnavati Scientific Research Center (KSRC), Karnavati School of Dentistry, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, IND
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, MYS
| | - Rahnuma Ahmad
- Department of Physiology, Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka, BGD
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Pavlidou E, Papadopoulou SK, Alexatou O, Voulgaridou G, Mentzelou M, Biskanaki F, Psara E, Tsourouflis G, Lefantzis N, Dimoliani S, Apostolou T, Sampani A, Chatziprodromidou IP, Angelakou EP, Giaginis C. Childhood Mediterranean Diet Adherence Is Associated with Lower Prevalence of Childhood Obesity, Specific Sociodemographic, and Lifestyle Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Pre-School Children. EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2023; 5:11-28. [PMID: 38247997 PMCID: PMC10801514 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia5010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been related with a decreased probability of overweight/obesity as well as central obesity at all stages of the human life, decreasing the risk of diverse disease states and improving quality of life. Over the last few years, the prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity and especially abdominal obesity has highly increased worldwide, being associated with a higher likelihood of overweight/obesity as well as central obesity at the next stages of the life during adulthood. The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship of MD compliance with sociodemographic, anthropometry and lifestyle features in pre-school children aged 2-5 years old. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study, which includes 5188 pre-school children from diverse regions of Greece. Relevant questionnaires were applied to evaluate the sociodemographic features of the enrolled children. Anthropometric parameters were measured by relevant techniques. Qualified questionnaires were utilized for assessing several lifestyle factors such as physical activity, quality of life, breastfeeding practices, MD adherence, as well as the prevalence of childhood asthma and diabetes mellitus type I. RESULTS Of the enrolled children, 41.7% showed low MD compliance and 36.4% of them indicated moderated compliance, while only 21.9% of them showed a high MD adherence. Overweight/obesity was noted in 24.2% of the assigned children, while abdominal obesity was noticed in 18.2% of them. Higher MD compliance was related with an elevated prevalence of sex (boys, p = 0.0005), Greek nationality (p = 0.0088), rural type of residence (p = 0.0099), childhood overweight/obesity (p < 0.0001) and abdominal obesity (p < 0.0001), lower childbirth weight (p < 0.0001), increased physical activity (p = 0.0041), improved quality of life (p = 0.0008), exclusive breastfeeding (p < 0.0001), childhood asthma (p = 0.0001) and diabetes mellitus type 1 (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS A higher MD adherence is associated with specific sociodemographic, better anthropometric, and beneficial lifestyle factors in pre-school children. However, MD compliance remains low or moderate in the vast majority of children aged 2-5 years old. Thus, future public strategies and policies should be performed to inform parents of the potential beneficial effects of MD against obesity and related chronic diseases at the next stage of their children's lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pavlidou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Greece; (E.P.); (O.A.); (M.M.); (E.P.); (S.D.); (E.-P.A.)
| | - Sousana K. Papadopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.K.P.); (G.V.)
| | - Olga Alexatou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Greece; (E.P.); (O.A.); (M.M.); (E.P.); (S.D.); (E.-P.A.)
| | - Gavriela Voulgaridou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.K.P.); (G.V.)
| | - Maria Mentzelou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Greece; (E.P.); (O.A.); (M.M.); (E.P.); (S.D.); (E.-P.A.)
| | | | - Evmorfia Psara
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Greece; (E.P.); (O.A.); (M.M.); (E.P.); (S.D.); (E.-P.A.)
| | - Gerasimos Tsourouflis
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Medical School, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikos Lefantzis
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical School, Attikon Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Sophia Dimoliani
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Greece; (E.P.); (O.A.); (M.M.); (E.P.); (S.D.); (E.-P.A.)
| | - Thomas Apostolou
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Anastasia Sampani
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Exakousti-Petroula Angelakou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Greece; (E.P.); (O.A.); (M.M.); (E.P.); (S.D.); (E.-P.A.)
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Myrina, Greece; (E.P.); (O.A.); (M.M.); (E.P.); (S.D.); (E.-P.A.)
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Priftis N, Panagiotakos D. Screen Time and Its Health Consequences in Children and Adolescents. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1665. [PMID: 37892328 PMCID: PMC10605067 DOI: 10.3390/children10101665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, children and adolescents are exposed to digital media (DM) from an early age. Therefore, specific guidelines have been published by the World Health Organization, whose aim is to limit daily screen time (ST) viewing. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a rise in DM use, and consequently ST viewing, was observed. More and more aspects of modern life are thought to be affected by excessive ST viewing. Accordingly, the aim of this review is to document the health effects of excessive ST viewing on children and adolescents. A narrative review was performed in searchable databases. In total, 43 original articles were considered. Excessive ST viewing was correlated with increased risk for obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, mental health, unhealthy dietary habits and eating disorders, and problems in development and child-parent relationships. Sleep, physical activity, eyesight, headaches, and the musculoskeletal system were negatively affected as well. However, the effect of ST was weighted by the type of media used and the way types of media were used. Other confounding factors were reported. There is evidence to suggest a negative correlation between excessive ST and youth health exists. Nevertheless, more research is needed if this correlation is to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Priftis
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
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8
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Tsiroukidou K, Paschalidou EG, Grammatikopoulou MG, Androulakis J, Vamvakis A, Gkouskou KK, Tzimos C, Sergentanis TN, Vassilakou T, Roilides E, Bogdanos DP, Goulis DG. Serum Concentrations and Dietary Intake of Vitamin B 12 in Children and Adolescents on Metformin: A Case-Control Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044205. [PMID: 36835611 PMCID: PMC9963648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) recommends metformin (MET) use for metabolic disturbances and hyperglycemia, either in combination with insulin therapy or alone. A caveat of MET therapy has been suggested to be biochemical vitamin B12 deficiency, as seen mainly in studies conducted in adults. In the present case-control study, children and adolescents of different weight status tiers on MET therapy for a median of 17 months formed the cases group (n = 23) and were compared with their peers not taking MET (n = 46). Anthropometry, dietary intake, and blood assays were recorded for both groups. MET group members were older, heavier, and taller compared with the controls, although BMI z-scores did not differ. In parallel, blood phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were lower in the MET group, whereas MCV, Δ4-androstenedione, and DHEA-S were higher. No differences were observed in the HOMA-IR, SHBG, hemoglobin, HbA1c, vitamin B12, or serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations between groups. Among those on MET, 17.4% exhibited vitamin B12 deficiency, whereas none of the controls had low vitamin B12 concentrations. Participants on MET therapy consumed less energy concerning their requirements, less vitamin B12, more carbohydrates (as a percentage of the energy intake), and fewer fats (including saturated and trans fats) compared with their peers not on MET. None of the children received oral nutrient supplements with vitamin B12. The results suggest that, in children and adolescents on MET therapy, the dietary intake of vitamin B12 is suboptimal, with the median coverage reaching 54% of the age- and sex-specific recommended daily allowance. This low dietary intake, paired with MET, may act synergistically in reducing the circulating vitamin B12 concentrations. Thus, caution is required when prescribing MET in children and adolescents, and replacement is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Tsiroukidou
- 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni G. Paschalidou
- 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - John Androulakis
- IsoPlus, Scientific Department, 236 Syggrou Avenue, GR-17672 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Vamvakis
- 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sciences School of Health Science, Hellenic Mediterranean University, GR-71410 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Kalliopi K. Gkouskou
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Tzimos
- Northern Greece Statistics Directorate, Hellenic Statistical Authority, 218 Delfon Str., GR-54646 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros N. Sergentanis
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, GR-11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Tonia Vassilakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, GR-11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Roilides
- 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios P. Bogdanos
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G. Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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