Seasonal variations in ascorbic acid status and breast milk ascorbic acid levels in rural Gambian women in relation to dietary intake
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Seasonal variations significantly impact vitamin C levels in pregnant and lactating women in rural Gambia. Supplementation showed limited success in improving plasma ascorbic acid during the rainy season.
Area Of Science
- Nutrition science
- Public health
- Maternal health
Background
- Seasonal variations in fruit availability, like mangoes and oranges, influence dietary vitamin C intake.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is crucial for maternal health during pregnancy and lactation.
Purpose Of The Study
- To assess vitamin C intake and its impact on plasma and breast milk ascorbic acid levels in pregnant and lactating women.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin C supplementation during periods of low intake.
Main Methods
- Measuring vitamin C intake from fruits and assessing plasma and breast milk ascorbic acid concentrations.
- Monitoring these levels at regular intervals in rural Gambian villages.
- Administering a vitamin-fortified supplement to assess its impact on ascorbic acid levels.
Main Results
- Observed significant seasonal fluctuations in plasma ascorbic acid, peaking during mango season (1.4 mg/dl) and lowest during the rainy season (0.2 mg/dl).
- Breast milk ascorbate levels showed similar, though less pronounced, seasonal variations.
- A vitamin-fortified supplement (35 mg/day) provided minimal improvement in plasma ascorbic acid during the rainy season, with slight improvements in breast milk.
Conclusions
- Dietary vitamin C intake, particularly from seasonal fruits, critically affects maternal ascorbic acid status.
- Current supplementation levels may be insufficient to maintain adequate maternal circulating ascorbic acid during critical periods.
- Considerably higher vitamin C intakes are likely necessary to ensure satisfactory biochemical status in pregnant and lactating women in this population.