[Case-control study on intrauterine growth retardation and vitamin nutritional status in late pregnancy]

Ninety-seven cases of pregnant women with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and 133 controls were investigated on their dietary intake and blood vitamin levels in late pregnancy. Results showed insufficient calorie and protein intake, deficiency in calcium and vitamin B2, and low intake of vitamins A and B1 in pregnant women with IUGR. Their serum level of vitamin E was only half as that in controls (P < 0.01). Mothers' serum level of vitamin E correlated positively to several indicators reflecting infant growth with multiple stepwise regression analysis. There was no significant difference of activity of erythrocytic transketonas activity (TPP%) and activity coefficient (AC) of glutathione reductase between the two groups. It suggested pregnant women in both groups suffered from deficiency in thiamine and riboflavin (TPP% > 16%, AC > 1.2).