Observational Validation of Skin Carotenoid Biomarker of Infant and Toddler Carotenoid Intake
Baylor College of Medicine
Summary
Young children rely on their foods and drinks for the nutrients they need to grow, like energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. In addition to nutrients, there are substances in fruits, vegetables, milk and formula, called phytochemicals, that can support health. While researchers know more about the role of phytochemicals in adult health, researchers know surprisingly little about how phytochemicals can support health in young children. One group of phytochemicals are called the carotenoids. Carotenoids are responsible for the red, orange, and yellow colors in some fruits and vegetables. In adults, carotenoids can support visual function. Researchers also know that measuring levels of carotenoids in the blood or optically in the skin, can serve as an indirect measurement of what child and adults eat. The purpose of this study is to determine how a child's usual intake of carotenoids is related to their visual development and their blood and skin levels of carotenoids. The study involves 6 visits. For each visit, we will ask about the child's recent diet, will measure their body size, collect a blood sample, collect optical measurements of their skin, and will test how sharp their vision is.
Description
Early life nutrition is recognized as key determinant of short- and long-term health. However, a lack of objective, reliable, and valid methods to determine what exactly children makes it difficult to carefully study nutrition in infants and toddlers. Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments found primarily in fruits and vegetables (F\&Vs) that support healthy functioning. Carotenoids support vitamin A requirements, reduce inflammation and cancer risk, and support cognitive, visual, and cardiovascular health. Since carotenoids are colorful, researchers can easily measure them in blood and tissues…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 0–2 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * healthy * born at term (more than or equal to 37 weeks gestation) * between the 1st to 99th weight for age percentile at 3 months of age * participating guardian speaks, reads, and understands English * guardian categorizes child as non-Hispanic white, Hispanic white, Asian, or non-Hispanic Black Exclusion Criteria: * physician-diagnosed metabolic, absorptive, or endocrine condition * diagnosed food intolerance or allergy * has a sibling enrolled in the study
Interventions
- OtherCarotenoid Intake
Carotenoid intake calculated from food diary records reported by guardians.
- OtherSerum carotenoid concentrations
Serum carotenoid concentrations measured by HPLC.
Location
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of MedicineHouston, Texas