Deficiency of vitamin A and vitamin E during pregnancy may lead to poor fetal development and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Vitamin A and vitamin E deficiencies may also lead to increased free radicals and endothelial damage. Vitamin A and E deficiencies have been linked to higher rates of preterm birth and neonatal asphyxia.
Vitamin A and vitamin E are both fat soluble. Vitamin A supplements are available in liquid, capsule, and tablet forms. Vitamin A is necessary for normal vision, skin health, and iron metabolism. Vitamin E plays a role in antioxidation. It is estimated that the average concentration of vitamin A in the blood is about 3 to 7 mg/dL. The vitamin has two precursors: b-carotene and retinol. The vitamin also has a major role in the immune system and plays a significant role in cell differentiation.
The vitamin A and vitamin E deficient preeclampsia group had the highest rates of preterm delivery and neonatal asphyxia. They also had the lowest serum vitamin A and vitamin E concentrations. The serum vitamin A and vitamin E concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The chi-square test was used to assess the correlation between vitamin A and vitamin E concentrations. The measurement data was then processed using a t-test. The measurement data were expressed as a percent.
The vitamin A and vitamin E deficient group also had lower neonatal Apgar score and body weight. Vitamin A and vitamin E deficiencies also led to lower levels of the micro-nutrient lutein.
