Vitamin dependent erythrocyte enzymes in newborns in relation to gestational age and birth weight

In order to search for any difference in riboflavin and pyridoxine nutrition between term appropriate for gestational age (TAGA), term small for gestational age (TSGA) and preterm appropriate for gestational age (PTAGA) newborns, cord blood from 23, 19 and 20 infants, respectively, were studied, and red cell glutathione reductase (riboflavin-dependent) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (pyridoxine-dependent) activities were measured, as well as their respective activity coefficients (GRase AC and GOT AC). Red cell enzymes were assayed according to BEUTLER [4] in a Gilford recording spectrophotometer model 2451 at 37 degrees C. Values of 1.42, 1.39 and 1.32 of GRase AC and values of 1.17, 1.02 and 1.08 GOT AC, respectively were obtained. These data indicate that there is no significant difference between the three categories of newborns with regard to riboflavin and pyridoxine nutrition, and suggest that neither maturity nor adequacy of intrauterine growth were related to differences in the availability of these vitamins. All groups demonstrate a uniform mild deficiency of riboflavin and an adequate level of pyridoxine, probably the effect of maternal diet.