Laboratory-Based Studies

Blood Collection Cassette for Serum Transferrin Receptor Analysis

(Contact: Lisa Zeng; In Progress)

Assessment of IDA in population studies requires reliable and accurate measures of iron status. Serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) is a sensitive and specific functional measure of iron deficiency that quantifies tissue iron availability. Although the sTfR assay requires a very small volume of capillary blood, a number of practical issues limit its utility in remote or underdeveloped regions, where problems of iron deficiency are most prevalent.

In the remote or underdeveloped regions, there is often limited access to adequately equipped laboratories with trained technicians for reliable laboratory testing, adequate facilities are not always available to store frozen serum samples and there are often problems keeping samples cool during transport from the field site to the laboratory. If local laboratories are not available, shipping of samples to a central laboratory under controlled temperature is often costly …

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Using modern sophisticated stable isotope techniques, Mishaan et al have
clearly demonstrated bioavailability of iron and zinc from a multiple
micronutrient-fortified beverage in 6- to 9-year-old Peruvian children.1
Absorption of iron was in the range of 10% whether the beverage was ingested
with food or between meals, and absorption of zinc was ~23% independent of the
concurrent ingestion of food. The results of the study are important because
this fortified beverage provides another option for preventing iron and zinc
deficiencies.

The international focus on prevention of iron deficiency is not surprising2;
iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the world today,
and through its impact on the myelination of the developing central nervous
system, infants and young children with iron deficiency are likely to manifest
impaired motor, cognitive and socio-emotional development. When these children
enter school, they are more likely to fail grades and manifest behavioral
problems. …

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Pakistan

It has been estimated that diarrheal illnesses account for 12,600 deaths each day in children in Asia, Africa, and Latin America while pre-school children spend 35 to 70 days per year with diarrhea. Although, oral rehydration therapy has reduced diarrhea-related mortality by 50%, its affect has plateaud. To further decrease this burden malnutrition and immunity needs to be targeted. Sprinkles Supplefer Plus is unique in that micronutrients such as iron, zinc, Vitamin A and C, together with a probiotic can be formulated into the sachet to prevent common micronutrient deficiencies as well as diarrhea.

We investigated the effect of zinc and a heat-killed strain of probiotic L. acidophilus provided as micronutrient Sprinkles on diarrhea morbidity in infants. This community-based, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial took place in an urban slum of Karachi, Pakistan. 75 infants at high-risk for diarrhea-related-mortality identified as: (a) age between 6 to12 months; and (b) history of …

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Sprinkles are not commercially available at present.

Although future plans include large scale manufacturing and distribution, they are currently used solely within the context of research and food aid.

We are however looking for potential partners interested in conducting either efficacy or effectiveness studies in populations at high risk of iron deficiency. We also welcome partners who have structures set up in at risk communities in establishing effective distribution methods for Sprinkles.…

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Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine):

Function

Pyridoxine is a part of the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate (PLP). It also activates a number of enzymes. Pyridoxine is required for protein metabolism. B6-enzymes are involved in the creation of certain neurotransmitters. B6 is also involved in the conversion of tryptophan to niacin. In addition, pyridoxine is involved in heme synthesis and folate metabolism.

Physiology

Vitamin B6 is water-soluble and excreted in the urine. It is stored as part of PLP, where it is involved in a number of metabolic reactions in the body.

Food Sources

Good sources of pyridoxine include meat, fish, poultry, organ meats, legumes, grains, certain fruits and vegetables. Pyridoxine in food may be present in foods as pyridoxal or pyridoxamine (animal products).

Deficiency

B6 deficiency in infants can lead to convulsions and irritability. Dermatitis (skin irritations), glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), mouth lesions, depression and confusion may also be present in B6 …

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How Can I Order Sprinkles?

NORTH AMERICA-SMALL VOLUMES

Sprinkles will soon be available at The Specialty Food Shop at The Hospital for Sick Children. If you are interested in purchasing Sprinkles, they will be available within the next few months and can be ordered by contacting the Specialty Food Shop either online or by phone/fax.

Contact Information:

Specialty Food Shop
The Hospital for Sick Children (Main Floor, Concourse)
555 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 1X8

Tel: (416) 977-4360
Fax: (416) 977 8394

e-mail us: sfs@sickkids.ca
24/7 toll-free line: 1-800-737-7976

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday
7:30am – 7:00pm EST

Saturday
9:00am – 5:00pm EST
Sunday
11:00am – 5:00pm EST …

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Function

Iodine is a component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Both hormones are involved in energy metabolism, thermoregulation, protein synthesis, reproduction, growth, physical and mental development, neuromuscular function and red blood cell development.

Physiology

Iodine is converted to iodide in the gut before absorption. Iodine in the blood is taken up by the thyroid gland. It is then bound to a thyroid protein called thyroglobulin. This is then turned into the hormones T4 and T3. T4 and T3 circulate bound to the proteins prealbumin and albumin. Iodine is excreted via the urine and to some extent in the bile.

Food Sources

The iodine content of food is dependent on the iodine found in the environment. Seafood and seaweed however are good sources. Meat, milk and eggs may also be good sources depending on the content found in the animal feed. Coastal areas tend to have soils …

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A new approach to control of anemia in “at risk” infants and children around the world.
2004 Ryley-Jeffs memorial lecture.Can J Diet Pract Res. 2004 Fall;65(3):136-8.

SH Zlotkin

An estimated 60-80% of the world’s population is affected by iron deficiency. It is the most common preventable nutritional deficiency in the world, despite global goals for its reduction. Young children are the highest risk group, particularly during their rapid period of growth. Anemia in infants and young children is known to have a negative impact on motor and socioemotional development and cognitive function. A new intervention, microencapsulated ferrous fumarate Sprinkles, has been developed to treat iron deficiency. The development process took the intervention from the idea stage to the research stage to the implementation stage. Multiple micronutrient Sprinkles are a breakthrough in meeting the global challenge to reduce childhood anemia due to iron and other micronutrient deficiencies. The goal of the …

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