Diarrhea and Iron

[Ironjustic]

<<snip>> iron may increase the risk of infection by invasive
diarrheal pathogens <<snip>>

http://www.apria.com/resources/1,2725,494-637115-3,00.html

Study results from Harvard University, Department of Nutrition
update understanding of diarrhea in children

Scientists discuss in "The comparative impact of iron, the
B-complex vitamins, vitamins C and E, and selenium on
diarrheal pathogen outcomes relative to the impact produced
by vitamin A and zinc" new findings in diarrhea. According
to a study from the United States, "Micronutrient
supplementation offers one of the most cost-effective means
of improving the health and survival of children in
developing countries. However, the effects of
supplementation with single micronutrients on diarrhea are
not always consistent, and supplementation with
multi-micronutrient supplements can have negative effects."

"These inconsistencies may result from the failure to consider
the diverse etiological agents that cause diarrhea and the
unique effects each micronutrient has on the immune response
to each of these agents. This review examines the separate
effects that supplementation with the B-complex vitamins,
vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and iron have on diarrheal
disease-related outcomes. Supplementation with iron may
increase the risk of infection by invasive diarrheal
pathogens, while supplementation with the remaining
micronutrients may reduce this risk. These differences may be
due to distinct regulatory effects each micronutrient has on
the pathogen-specific immune response, as well as on the
virulence of specific pathogens. The findings of these studies
suggest that micronutrient supplementation of children must
take into account the pathogens prevalent within communities
as reflected by their diarrheal disease burdens," wrote K.Z.
Long and colleagues, Harvard University, Department of
Nutrition.

The researchers concluded: "The effectiveness of combining
multiple micronutrients into one supplement must also be
reconsidered."

Long and colleagues published their study in Nutrition Reviews
(The comparative impact of iron, the B-complex vitamins,
vitamins C and E, and selenium on diarrheal pathogen outcomes
relative to the impact produced by vitamin A and zinc.
Nutrition Reviews, 2007;65(5): 218-32).

For more information, contact K.Z. Long, Harvard School of
Public Health, Dept. of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public
Health, 1663 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02115 USA.

Publisher contact information for the journal Nutrition
Reviews is: International Life Sciences Institute North
America, One Thomas Circle, N W, 9TH Floor, Washington, DC
20005, USA.

Keywords: United States, Boston, Alternative Medicine,
Antiacne, Diarrhea, Gastroenterology, Therapy, Treatment,
Vitamin A, Vitamins (Vitamin A).

This article was prepared by Drug Law Week editors from staff
and other reports. Copyright 2007, Drug Law Week via
NewsRx.com.

To see more of the NewsRx.com, or to subscribe, go to
http://www.newsrx.com .

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