Objective: This study sought to determine and evaluate the intakes and plasma concentrations of vitamin E (α-tocopherol), γ-tocopherol, vitamin C, selenium, and carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene) of nonsupplemented boys and girls, 4 to 8 years old, of Latino immigrants living in rural Nebraska. Design: Dietary intakes of the Latino children were estimated. Their plasma samples (fasting) were analyzed for vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, and carotenoid concentrations. Data were evaluated by sex. Subjects: The subjects were a convenience sample of 4- to 8-year-old (n=29), apparently healthy, nonsupplemented children of Latino immigrants living in rural Nebraska. Statistical analysis: Sex differences in parameter values were determined using general linear models; Pearson r was used for determining correlations. Results: No significant differences in parameter values were observed by sex, with the exception of plasma lutein/zeaxanthin concentration. The majority (69%) had plasma vitamin E (α-tocopherol) concentrations <0.516 mg/dL (12 μmol/L), which is indicative of vitamin E inadequacy, and over half (59%) reported consuming less than the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin E. All subjects had plasma vitamin C and selenium concentrations indicative of adequacy (>0.41 mg/dL or >23 μmol/L, and >6.32 μg/dL or >0.8 μmol/L, respectively), and consumed at least the Recommended Dietary Allowances for these nutrients. The plasma carotenoid concentrations of the children may be useful as norms. Conclusions: These children of Latino immigrants who did not take supplements had low plasma vitamin E (α-tocopherol) concentrations but normal plasma vitamin C and selenium concentrations. Implications: Dietetics professionals and others involved in health care need to work with Latino immigrant parents so that their children consume adequate amounts of vitamin E. Copyright © 2006 by the American Dietetic Association.

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Nutrition Policy health care policy alpha tocopherol Nebraska human sex difference selenium ascorbic acid Nutrition Assessment nutritional assessment rural health Vitamins Hispanic Americans carotenoid Carotenoids health United States Vitamin E Vitamin E Deficiency Humans alpha tocopherol deficiency Hispanic male preschool child female Child, Preschool vitamin Article blood migration Sex Factors Emigration and Immigration Linear Models statistical model nutritional status Child