A positive association between maternal serum zinc concentration and birth weight

Article Abstract:

Zinc is essential for cell growth and differentiation. Consequently, this mineral is especially important in times of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and infancy. Recently it was reported that populations with zinc deficiency have a higher rate of birth defects and other complications of pregnancy. Since infant birth weight is an important determinant of health, it would be useful to know whether the mother's zinc nutrition during pregnancy affects birth weight. Some studies have already investigated this relationship, but results have been conflicting. One reason why the studies may not have reached the same conclusion is that the time at which the maternal zinc level is measured may be critical, and the studies probably varied on this point. The fetus could be particularly vulnerable to zinc deficiency at a specific stage of pregnancy. A group of 476 pregnant women was studied; 364 were black and 112 were white. All of the women received their prenatal care at a county clinic. Maternal zinc levels were measured early in pregnancy and were then related to birth weight. After making adjustments to the data to account for other influences on birth weight, lower maternal zinc was positively linked to lower birth weight. There appeared to be a threshold for maternal zinc below which birth weight was substantially lower. These results could be applied to improve prenatal care; if the mother's blood zinc level was tested early in pregnancy, women with low levels could be identified and treated to reduce the risk of having a low-birth-weight baby. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Birth weight, Low, Low birth weight, Pregnancy, Prenatal care, Zinc, Zinc (Metal)

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Plasma tocopherol concentrations in response to supplemental vitamin E

Article Abstract:

Vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol, is an antioxidant that protects tissues and cells against oxidative stress. Studies show that certain oxidative free radicals, which are highly reactive and potentially damaging elements, may contribute to the development of cancer, and vitamin E may protect against cancer by reducing their effects. The therapeutic effect of an agent depends on the amount of this agent reaching its site of action. Alpha-tocopherol dissolves in fat (is fat-soluble), and its use by the body depends on the presence of lipids and bile in the digestive tract. Tocopherol present in the blood is carried by lipoproteins, or fat and protein complexes. Food intake may also affect the bioavailability of the vitamin, or the amount available for the body's metabolic needs. The blood levels of tocopherol were assessed when healthy subjects took vitamin E supplements. Doses of 440, 880, or 1,320 milligrams (mg) dl-alpha-tocopherol increased blood levels of tocopherol to a maximum level that was achieved within 12 to 24 hours. Continued treatment with tocopherol produced steady blood levels of tocopherol within four to five days of beginning supplementation. Blood levels of tocopherol dropped to pretreatment levels within 12 to 20 days after discontinuing supplementation. Blood levels of alpha-tocopherol were greater in patients on a high-fat diet as compared with those of patients consuming a low-fat diet. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Dietary supplements, Trace elements in nutrition, Micronutrients

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Vitamin E status of northern Canadian newborns: relation of vitamin E to blood lipids

Article Abstract:

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is involved in the protection of cellular membranes from oxidation (peroxidation) and damage. Deficiency of Vitamin E is associated with various difficulties including hemolytic anemia, neurologic problems and depressed immunity. The present study investigates the level of Vitamin E in native Canadians, residing in the Northwestern Territories, particularly in those who have given up their traditional diet that contained the fat of marine mammals which is a rich source of this vitamin. Significant differences in Vitamin E, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were found by comparing blood from the umbilical cords of these native North American newborn infants to samples obtained from mostly nonnative newborn infants living in southern regions of Canada. The study found only one Inuit who proved to be deficient in Vitamin E. None of the statistical differences which were found are considered to have clinical importance.

Research, Canada, Native Americans, Native North Americans, Vitamins in human nutrition, Human nutrition, Vitamins, Vitamin E deficiency

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