Children of Latino immigrants, 4-8 years, in rural Nebraska are adequate in vitamin B-6

Plasma concentrations of B-6 vitamers and homocysteine as well as erythrocyte alanine aminotransferase activity coefficients and vitamin B-6 (dietary + supplement) intakes of apparently healthy young Latino children of immigrant parents living in rural Nebraska were determined and differences determined by gender. Thirty-five Latino children (16 males and 19 females), aged 4-8 years, were included in the study. Nutrient intake information was obtained from the children's parents utilizing two nonconsecutive 24-hour food recalls. No differences were observed by gender with regard to vitamin B-6 intakes, plasma concentrations of B-6 vitamers and homocysteine, and erythrocyte alanine aminotransferase activity coefficients. The intakes of all children met the Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin B-6. Plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate concentrations, plasma homocysteine concentrations, and erythrocyte alanine aminotransferase activity coefficients of the children were (mean +/- SD) 83.71 +/- 37.35 nmol/L, 6.81 +/- 1.63 micromol/L, and 1.08 +/- 0.06, respectively. All the Latino children of immigrant parents in this study had values indicative of adequate vitamin B-6 status.