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Maternal aerobic exercise and vitamin B-6 status
C Y Yates1, L M Boylan, R D Lewis
1Department of Human Nutrition and Foods, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Aerobic walking during pregnancy improved fitness but did not affect vitamin B-6 status or birth outcomes in women taking supplements. This study examined exercise effects on maternal vitamin B-6 levels.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nutritional Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Maternal health during pregnancy is crucial for birth outcomes.
- Vitamin B-6 plays a vital role in maternal and fetal health.
- The impact of exercise on vitamin B-6 status in pregnant women requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a moderate aerobic walking program on vitamin B-6 status.
- To assess the influence of this program on birth outcomes in healthy pregnant women.
- To determine if exercise impacts vitamin B-6 levels in supplemented pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- 28 healthy pregnant women (aged 21-36) were divided into walking (n=18) and non-walking (n=10) groups.
- Participants received vitamin-mineral supplements throughout the study.
- Plasma vitamin B-6 levels (total and pyridoxal phosphate) were assessed at gestational weeks 22 and 30.
Main Results:
- The walking program slightly improved aerobic fitness in the exercising group.
- No significant differences in plasma total vitamin B-6 or pyridoxal phosphate levels were observed between groups.
- Birth outcome measurements were comparable between the walking and non-walking groups.
Conclusions:
- Moderate aerobic walking during pregnancy (weeks 22-30) does not negatively impact vitamin B-6 status.
- Exercise did not alter birth outcomes in pregnant women receiving vitamin-mineral supplements.
- Aerobic fitness can be enhanced during pregnancy without compromising vitamin B-6 status or birth outcomes.