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Serum Carotenoid and Retinol Levels during Childhood Infections

Background: In recent years, new physiological functions of vitamin A have been identified, including its role in immune defense. The antioxidant potential of carotenoids is thought to account for their health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration changes in the provitamin-A (α- and-β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin) and of the non-provitamin-A carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene) in children with acute infections. Methods: Serum retinol and carotenoid concentrations were measured by HPLC in 45 children suffering from acute infections and in 29 healthy controls. In addition 15 healthy children collected food samples over 2 days. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured by turbidimetry. Results: Serum levels of β-carotene, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and retinol and non-provitamin-A carotenoid lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations were significantly lower in children with infections compared to healthy controls. There were significant negative correlations between CRP levels and serum β-carotene and retinol concentrations. The average intake of retinol equivalents was 1.1 ± 0.6 mg/day. Conclusion: Serum retinol and provitamin-A as well as non-provitamin-A carotenoid concentrations were lower in children with acute phase infections compared to healthy controls. The inverse correlations between CRP and β-carotene or retinol indicate either decreased synthesis or increased utilization of these antioxidants.