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Published on: June 28, 2024
Vitamin E: maternal concentrations are associated with fetal growth
Theresa O Scholl1, Xinhua Chen, Melissa Sims
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ 08104, USA. scholl@umdnj.edu
Background:
Few data exist on the effects of the 2 most abundant isomers of vitamin E (alpha- and gamma-tocopherols) on fetal growth.
Objective:
We measured maternal plasma concentrations of alpha- and gamma-tocopherols and examined their relation with measures of fetal growth. We also examined the relation, controlled for associated maternal factors, of diet and supplement use to tocopherol concentrations at week 28 of gestation.
Design:
A cohort of 1231 gravid women from Camden, NJ, was studied from entry to care (16.0 +/- 0.15 wk gestation); plasma tocopherol concentrations were measured at entry and at week 28.
Results:
Plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol at entry and at week 28 were positively related to increased fetal growth (birth weight for gestation), a decreased risk of small-for-gestational-age births, and an increased risk of large-for-gestational-age births. Concentration of alpha-tocopherol at week 28 was positively related to use of prenatal multivitamins and dietary intake of vitamin E; concentration of gamma-tocopherol was related positively to dietary fat intake and negatively to multivitamin use.
Conclusion:
Early and late circulating concentrations of alpha-tocopherol are positively associated with fetal growth.
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