Vitamin A-Mediated Birth Defects: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Nutritional Science
• Developmental Toxicology

Background:

• Maternal vitamin A status significantly impacts fetal development.
• Both vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and excess during pregnancy pose risks for teratogenicity.
• Unregulated multivitamin use contributes to excessive vitamin A intake in developed nations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical importance of monitoring vitamin A levels during pregnancy.
• To inform about the teratogenic risks associated with both VAD and vitamin A excess.
• To emphasize the need for balanced maternal nutrition and regulated supplementation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on vitamin A metabolism in pregnancy.
• Analysis of epidemiological data on VAD and excess in different global regions.
• Synthesis of information on fetal outcomes related to maternal vitamin A status.

Main Results:

• Vitamin A deficiency is linked to night blindness, bone anomalies, and epithelial cell issues.
• Excessive vitamin A intake in pregnancy can lead to fetal central nervous system deformities.
• Disparities exist, with VAD prevalent in developing countries and excess in developed ones.

Conclusions:

• Pregnant individuals must maintain recommended vitamin A dosage, avoiding both deficiency and excess.
• Education and regulation of vitamin A supplementation are crucial to prevent fetal teratogenicity.
• Proper management of maternal vitamin A intake can mitigate risks to fetal development.