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Plasma concentrations of retinol and vitamins E and C during the first twelve months of post natal life
Insights
Cord blood analysis reveals lower retinol and vitamin E but higher vitamin C compared to maternal levels in Nigerian infants. Postnatal increases were observed, but remained suboptimal, with vitamin C declining at three months.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health in Nigeria
Background:
- Maternal and infant vitamin status is crucial for health outcomes.
- Understanding vitamin levels in Cross River State, Nigeria, is essential for targeted interventions.
- Limited data exists on retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin C in this specific population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine cord and maternal blood concentrations of retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
- To track plasma levels of these vitamins in infants for 12 months postnatally.
- To analyze the relationship between maternal and infant vitamin levels and discuss influencing factors.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples collected from mothers and newborns at birth.
- Plasma vitamin concentrations (retinol, vitamin E, vitamin C) analyzed.
- Longitudinal follow-up of infant vitamin levels for 12 months post-birth.
Main Results:
- At birth, cord blood retinol and vitamin E were significantly lower than maternal levels; vitamin C was higher.
- Infant levels of fat-soluble vitamins increased postnatally but remained below one-third of maternal levels.
- Infant vitamin C levels decreased at three months postpartum.
Conclusions:
- Infants in Cross River State, Nigeria, exhibit suboptimal levels of key vitamins at birth and during early infancy.
- Further research into nutritional and non-nutritional factors affecting vitamin status is warranted.
- Interventions may be needed to improve maternal and infant vitamin E, retinol, and C status in this region.
Abstract:
Concentrations of retinol, vitamins E and C in cord and maternal blood samples were studied in rural health centres, polyclinics and maternities in Cross River State, Nigeria. Plasma concentrations of retinol, vitamins E and C were followed up for 12 months of post natal life. At birth cord blood levels of retinol and vitamin E were significantly lower than the maternal levels but vitamin C levels were higher. During the first twelve months of post natal life, there was a significant increase in the levels of these fat-soluble blood components but the mean was still less than one-third of the mother's level either at birth or at six weeks. However, vitamin C levels in infants showed a decrease at three months. The results are discussed in terms of nutritional and non-nutritional factors.