Functional anemia of complicated protein-energy malnutrition at high altitude

Micronutrient status in children aged 6-59 months with severe wasting and/or nutritional edema: implications for nutritional rehabilitation formulations

Undernutrition remains a global struggle and is associated with almost 45% of deaths in children younger than 5 years. Despite advances in management of severe wasting (though less so for nutritional edema), full and sustained recovery remains elusive. Children with severe wasting and/or nutritional edema (also commonly referred to as severe acute malnutrition and part of the umbrella term "severe malnutrition") continue to have a high mortality rate. This suggests a likely multifactorial etiology that may include micronutrient deficiency. Micronutrients are currently provided in therapeutic foods at levels based on expert opinion, with few supportive studies of high quality having been conducted. This narrative review looks at the knowledge base on micronutrient deficiencies in children aged 6-59 months who have severe wasting and/or nutritional edema, in addition to highlighting areas where further research is warranted (See "Future Directions" section).

The association between altitude and serum folate levels in Tibetan adults on the Tibetan plateau

This study investigated the relationship between residence altitude and serum folate levels in healthy Tibetans living on the Tibetan Plateau. Participants were selected from those who underwent physical examinations at our health center between November 2019 and February 2020. Demographic characteristics and medical histories were collected, and fasting blood was tested for serum folate and other hematological indicators. The relationship between altitude and serum folate levels was analyzed using a multivariable linear regression model. Serum folate levels were associated with altitude (β = - 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.71; - 0.16), hemoglobin (β = - 0.01; 95% CI - 0.03; - 0.00), red blood cells (β = - 0.72; 95% CI - 1.18; - 0.27), hematocrit (β = - 0.07; 95% CI - 0.12; - 0.02), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = 2.67; 95% CI 1.35; 3.98), and sex (β = 0.68; 95% CI 0.12; 1.23). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that altitude was negatively associated with serum folate levels. After adjusting for confounding factors, serum folate levels decreased by 0.33 ng/mL per each 500-m increase in altitude (β = - 0.33; 95% CI - 0.6; - 0.05; P = 0.022). Altitude was negatively associated with serum folate levels in Tibetan adults. The relationship between altitude and folate levels should be further explored in populations of different races and disease states. Further large-scale prospective studies should illustrate the causality of this relationship.

Nutrient requirements at high altitude

Travel to terrestrial altitudes greater than 2500 m, for more than 2 to 3 days, results in acute and long-term physiologic adaptations with the potential to profoundly affect the requirements for some nutrients. This article discusses the evidence for these increased requirements and makes recommendations regarding appropriate intakes at high altitude. Discussion of nutrients includes energy and the food components that supply it (i.e., protein, carbohydrate, and fat), water, vitamins, and minerals. Because the anorexia associated with high altitude exposure may limit the intake of adequate nutrients, a food and water regimen, or "doctrine," is proposed and described.