Serum vitamin A and carotene concentrations among Egyptian fullterm neonates in relation to maternal status.
The serum of twenty Egyptian pregnancies and their neonates was analysed for vitamin A and carotene contents. The serum levels of vitamin A among the neonates were significantly lower (P less than 0.05) compared to corresponding levels obtained with their mothers. 60% of the neonates proved to be deficient in vitamin A status. Statistically significant correlation coefficients were found between maternal body weights at labour and respective birth weights of the neonates. Significant correlation coefficients were also found between maternal serum vitamin A and carotene levels and respective cord serum vitamin A and carotene contents. The birth weight of the neonate correlates also with its serum vitamin A level. The results stress the importance of improving the vitamin A status of the marginally undernourished mothers to assure protection of the fetus.
Hussein
L
L
National Research Center, Nutrition Laboratory, Egypt.
el-Shawarby
O
O
Elnaggar
B
B
Abdelmegid
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000097:blood*; D004534:Egypt; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000032:analysis; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000097:blood*; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000097:blood; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000097:blood; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood*
D014801:Vitamin A; D002338:Carotenoids