Giardiasis: haematological status and the absorption of vitamin B12 and folic acid

Abstract

The haematological status, as well as the fractional absorptions of folic acid (FAFol) and vitamin B12 (FAB12) were studied in 29 children aged 0.7-13.5 years (mean 3.3 years) with chronic diarrhoea due to giardiasis. Small intestinal biopsies revealed mucosal damage in 20 children; the biopsies of the remaining nine children were normal. At the initial investigation the FAFol and FAB12 values were below normal in approximately one-sixth and one-third of patients, respectively. Bacterial overgrowth of the small intestinal tract did not seem to play a role in FAB12 malabsorption. About one-fifth of patients had mild anaemia. None of the patients showed FAB12 insufficiency and only one patient suffered from folate depletion. At follow-up, FAFol, FAB12, haemoglobin and Erc-folate concentrations increased significantly while P-B12 and P-folate remained unchanged. Iron status, as well as dietary intake of iron, appeared insufficient prior to, as well as after treatment. Serum iron, transferrin saturation and haemoglobin concentrations were lower in patients who had acquired the disease abroad or suffered from persistent diarrhoea.