title: Plasma concentrations of retinol and vitamins E and C during the first twelve months of post natal life.
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.
mesh_terms: D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D012424:Rural Population; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D014801:Vitamin A; D014810:Vitamin E; D001205:Ascorbic Acid