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The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Placenta: a possible predictor of vitamin A deficiency
Mirian Martins Gomes1, Claudia Saunders, Andrea Ramalho
1Nucleus of Micronutrient Research - Josué de Castro Institute - Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. gomes.mirian@gmail.com
The British Journal of Nutrition
|December 17, 2009
Summary
This study found that placental retinol and carotenoid levels are associated with vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in newborns. A placental retinol concentration of 0.80 mumol/l may indicate deficiency, suggesting further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Public Health Nutrition
Background:
- Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a global health concern, impacting maternal and infant health.
- Accurate assessment of VAD is crucial for timely intervention.
- Placental nutrient levels may serve as indicators of fetal nutritional status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between maternal and umbilical cord serum retinol and carotenoid concentrations and placental concentrations.
- To identify placental retinol and carotenoid values indicative of vitamin A deficiency.
- To propose placental concentration cut-off points for VAD assessment.
Main Methods:
- Spectrophotometric analysis of serum and placental retinol and carotenoid concentrations in 262 mother-newborn pairs.
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine optimal cut-off points for VAD.
- Comparison of placental nutrient levels based on established VAD cut-off points (0.70 and 1.05 mumol/l).
Main Results:
- No significant difference in placental retinol or carotenoid averages was found in mothers based on VAD cut-off points.
- Newborns with VAD showed decreased placental retinol (P=0.012) and carotenoid (P=0.013, P=0.019) averages at specific cut-off points.
- ROC analysis suggested 0.80 mumol/l as a potential indicator of VAD, with higher sensitivity and accuracy at the 0.70 mumol/l cut-off.
Conclusions:
- Placental retinol and carotenoid concentrations are associated with clinical vitamin A deficiency in newborns.
- A placental retinol concentration of 0.80 mumol/l may represent VAD.
- Further research is warranted to investigate VAD, particularly in more severe deficiency cases.
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