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Updated: Dec 7, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating Physiological Functions of Vitamin A Transporters Using HPLC-Based Vitamin A Profiling
Published on: December 27, 2024
Vitamin A Requirements in Pregnancy and Lactation
Bryan M Gannon1, Camille Jones1, Saurabh Mehta1
1Division of Nutritional Sciences, and Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Global Health, and Technology (INSiGHT), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Pregnancy and lactation are critical life stages with unique nutritional requirements, including for vitamin A (VA). Current DRIs for VA were published in 2001. The objective of this review was to identify and categorize evidence related to VA requirements in pregnancy and lactation since these DRIs were formulated. We searched MEDLINE and included articles according to an analytic framework of maternal VA exposure on status and health outcomes in the mother-child dyad. Intermediate and indirect evidence supports that maternal VA intakes can impact the mother's VA status, breastmilk, and health outcomes, as well as the child's VA status and select health outcomes. Food-based approaches can lead to more sustained, sufficient VA status in mothers and children. Research needs include further study linking maternal VA intakes on maternal and child VA status, and further associations with outcomes to determine intake requirements to optimize health.
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