Vitamin E status of US children.

Data from several national surveys consistently show that American children have lower than recommended intakes of vitamin E, which is reflected in lower than average serum levels. Reduction in dietary fat can further exacerbate the low vitamin E status of children. The consequences of low vitamin E intake may include impaired immune responses, as seen in a study of over 500 Canadian children. Low vitamin E status has been correlated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, cancer, cataract and impaired immune responses in adult populations. Since early signs of chronic degenerative diseases of aging have been seen in autopsies of children, efforts should be made to ensure that prolonged low intakes of vitamin E are avoided in children as well as adults.