The relationship between serum retinol concentrations and subclinical infection in rural Brazilian children

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the relationship between serum retinol concentrations and subclinical infection in children from rural settlements. Methods A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out in nine rural settlements in the northeastern region of Brazil, involving 118 children aged 6 to 59 months. The relationship between serum retinol and C-Reactive Protein levels, an important marker of infectious and inflammatory processes, was investigated by multiple linear regression, controlling for demographic, socioeconomic and nutritional variables. Serum retinol and C-Reactive Protein were measured, respectively, by High Performance Liquid Chromatography and immunoturbidimetric assay in automated equipment. Results Vitamin A deficiency (retinol <0.70μmol/L) was identified in 9.3% of the children. C-Reactive Protein was the only predictor of retinol concentrations in the final regression model, causing a 0.728μmol/L reduction in retinol concentrations in the studied children (p=0.008). Conclusion Vitamin A deficiency is a problem of mild/moderate severity and measures to control infectious diseases in this population are fundamental to prevent and/or combat this problem.