Serum Levels of Antioxidant Vitamins (Vitamin A, C, E)and Magnesium in Children With Allergic Rhinitis

Objectives: The aim of the study is to measure the levels of antioxidant vitamins and magnesium during allergic rhinitis attacks. Patients and Methods: Thirty five children who have sensitivity for house dust and mite with mild/moderate persistent allergic rhinitis without any other allergic diseases were considered as the study group, and 35 healthy children as the control group. The patient group was classified accord-ing to the symptom scoring system. Venous blood samples were obtained before breakfast in each group to determine serum vitamin A, C, E and magnesium levels. Results: Serum vitamin A level was significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group. However, there was no statistically sig-nificant difference between the groups in terms of serum vitamin C, E and magnesium levels. Conclusion: This study showed that vitamin Aconsumption increases to repair mucosal epithe-lium which is damaged by inflammation and to prevent the oxidative damage in allergic rhinitis. This result may imply new therapeutic approaches.