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Maternal-neonatal serum vitamin A concentrations.
G S Shirali1, D G Oelberg, K P Mehta
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical School, Houston 77225.
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Maternal vitamin A status significantly impacts neonatal levels. Adequate maternal vitamin A stores and retinol-binding protein (RBP) are crucial for preventing neonatal vitamin A deficiency, with a saturable transport mechanism across the placenta.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Maternal-Child Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Neonatal vitamin A deficiency is linked to maternal vitamin A stores.
- Understanding maternal--fetal vitamin A transfer is critical for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate maternal and cord serum vitamin A and retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels in an Indian population.
- To include clinically vitamin A-deficient mothers for a comprehensive analysis.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of 28 maternal-neonatal pairs from high (Group I) and low (Group II) socioeconomic status.
- Assessment of clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency (conjunctival xerosis, Bitot's spots).
- Measurement of maternal and cord serum vitamin A and RBP levels, alongside nutritional and anthropometric data.
Main Results:
- Group II mothers and newborns had significantly lower maternal education, caloric/vitamin A intake, weight, height, hemoglobin, and birth weight.
- Higher serum vitamin A and RBP levels were observed in Group I mothers and newborns.
- No significant difference in cord blood RBP was found between groups.
- A logarithmic relationship between maternal and cord vitamin A levels indicated saturable placental transport.
Conclusions:
- Maternal vitamin A status is a key determinant of neonatal vitamin A levels.
- Socioeconomic status influences maternal nutritional status and consequently, neonatal vitamin A levels.
- The transplacental transport of vitamin A appears to be a saturable process.