Evaluation of micronutrient profile of North Indian children with cystic fibrosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND

Data on the micronutrient levels in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are not available from developing countries, wherein the nutritional profile of children is quite different from that of Western countries.

METHODS

Levels of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and E) and trace metals (iron, copper, and zinc) were measured in 27 CF cases and 27 controls.

RESULTS

CF cases had significantly low levels of all studied micronutrients compared with controls, and the levels were even lower in cases with exacerbation than in stable CF cases. Prevalence of deficiency of vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, copper, and zinc was significantly higher in cases than in controls, whereas vitamin A deficiency was almost equal in both the groups.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of deficiency of vitamins A, D, and E and iron, copper, and zinc was high in CF cases, and their levels were significantly lower in cases than controls. CF cases should be regularly monitored for these micronutrients, and appropriate supplementation should be considered.