Hábitos alimentares e níveis plasmáticos de vitaminas antioxidantes em crianças e adolescentes obesos com e sem doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of obesity in the pediatric age group contributes to the emergence of comorbidities, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. NAFLD it is a potentially lethal disease, can progress to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Treatment with antioxidant vitamins, aiming at the reduction of lipid peroxidation and progression of the disease, has been widely investigated by researchers and specialists. Objective: To evaluate the dietary intake and plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins in obese children and adolescents with and without NAFLD. Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study composed of 37 children, divided into two groups after ultrasound: group of obese children with steatosis and group of obese children without steatosis. Results: Were compared between groups lipid profile, serum levels of C-reactive protein, transaminases and antioxidant vitamins, as well as dietary intake of these vitamins. In addition, for each abnormal test, it was found the risk of this change means a greater chance of developing hepatic steatosis. The presence of the disease was associated with increased BMI, waist circumference, total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, AST, ALT and CRP. Furthermore, was associated with reduced serum levels of HDL-c, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol. Serum levels of ascorbic acid exhibited a significant decrease in the group with NAFLD and C-reactive protein was significantly higher in the group. The obese group with steatosis also showed greater reduction in intake of antioxidant vitamins. Still, dietary changes and biochemical tests were not associated with a significant risk of developing NAFLD. Conclusion: The dietary habits of obese children with fatty liver showed a low intake of antioxidant vitamins. Furthermore, plasma levels of beta-carotene, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol are also reduced in this group. However, it is not possible to say that these changes analyzed in exams are the cause of the development of NAFLD, other studies are necessary to investigate.