Nutrients (especially micronutrients) and trace elements often function as cofactors in human metabolic processes. During nutrient deficiency states, those processes may be interrupted and metabolic intermediaries may accumulate in excess or metabolic end products may become deficient. Furthermore, physiologic alterations (such as periosteal elevation, pseudotumor cerebri, or macular degeneration) may signal nutrient excess or deficiency. Such serum, tissue, or organ function-based variables are used to assess nutrient status and other aspects of health and disease. They are also routinely used to monitor response to intervention during nutrition support in infants, children and adolescents. However, making sense of the values requires knowledge of related biological variables. This seminar will present an update on the contemporary biomarkers and their relevance during nutrition support during health and disease. Participants will also understand the biological, iatrogenic and disease-related variables that should be considered when selecting and interpreting nutritional biomarkers in infants, children and adolescents.

Objectives
1. Understand definition of biomarkers
2. Understand the biomarkers relevant to specific nutrient deficiencies, nutrient excess, or disordered human physiology produced by alimentary dysfunction
3. Understand disease, biological and iatrogenic factors influencing selection and interpretation of biomarkers during nutrition support