Folate and Mineral Metabolism in Poorly Nourished Epileptic Children

Abstract
• Ninety poorly nourished, ambulant, epileptic children, who had been receiving anticonvulsant medications for at least one year, were studied in respect to their folic acid and vitamin D metabolism. Only 11 (12.2%) had borderline or low folate levels. Serum vitamin D levels were low in five (8.9%); serum calcium levels were low in nine (10%); and serum phosphorus levels were low in three (3.3%). Alkaline phosphatase levels were elevated in 19 (21.1%), but whether these arose from bone or liver was not determined. Height retardation did not correlate with abnormal mineral metabolism.