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Vitamin A Deficiency (vitamin a + deficiency)
Selected AbstractsAppendix 1: Vitamin A Deficiency: A Global RiskCOMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY, Issue 1 2008Article first published online: 30 JAN 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] The production of provitamin A-rich vegetables in home-gardens as a means of addressing vitamin A deficiency in rural African communitiesJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 3 2007Mieke Faber Abstract Vitamin A deficiency remains a public health problem in the developing world. The highest prevalence of vitamin A deficiency is in Africa and Asia (>30%). Dietary modification, a long-term strategy to address vitamin A deficiency, complements food fortification and vitamin A supplementation programmes. Provitamin A carotenoids from foods of plant origin are more affordable than preformed vitamin A from animal foods, and many resource-poor households rely on yellow/orange-fleshed vegetables and fruits and dark-green leafy vegetables as their main source of vitamin A. The provitamin A carotenoid content in plant foods varies widely and differences among cultivars of the same food exist. Several factors influence the bioavailability of provitamin A carotenoids. The potential contribution of plant foods to vitamin A status depends on the retention of provitamin A carotenoids after storage, preparation and processing. Home-gardens can provide households with direct access to provitamin A-rich vegetables that are not readily available or within their financial reach. The components and critical issues of home-garden projects are described. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Analysis of carotenoids in ripe jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) kernel and study of their bioconversion in ratsJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 2 2005UG Chandrika Abstract Vitamin A deficiency is of public health importance in Sri Lanka. Carotenoids are a significant source of provitamin A. The objective of this study was to analyse the carotenoid composition of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus sinhala: Waraka) kernel using MPLC and visible spectrophotometry and to determine the bioavailability and bioconversion of carotenoids present in jackfruit kernel by monitoring (i) the growth and (ii) levels of retinol and carotenoids in the liver and serum of Wistar rats provided with jackfruit incorporated into a standard daily diet. Carotenoid pigments were extracted using petroleum ether/methanol and saponified using 10% methanolic potassium hydroxide. Six carotenoids were detected in jackfruit kernel. The carotenes ,-carotene, ,-carotene, ,-zeacarotene, ,-zeacarotene and ,-carotene-5,6-epoxide and a dicarboxylic carotenoid, crocetin, were identified, corresponding theoretically to 141.6 retinol equivalents (RE) per 100 g. Our study indicated that jackfruit is a good source of provitamin A carotenoids, though not as good as papaya. Serum retinol concentrations in rats supplemented with jackfruit carotenoids were significantly higher (p = 0.008) compared with the control group. The same was true for liver retinol (p = 0.006). Quantification was carried out by RP-HPLC. These results show that the biological conversion of provitamin A in jackfruit kernel appears satisfactory. Thus increased consumption of ripe jackfruit could be advocated as part of a strategy to prevent and control vitamin A deficiency in Sri Lanka. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Carotenoids in yellow- and red-fleshed papaya (Carica papaya L)JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 12 2003U Gamage Chandrika Abstract Vitamin A deficiency is a disorder of public health importance in Sri Lanka. A recent national survey revealed that 36% of preschool children in Sri Lanka have vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol <0.2 µg ml,1). In view of its well-established association with child morbidity and mortality, this is a reason for concern. One of the main fruits which has been recommended for prevention of vitamin A deficiency in Sri Lanka is papaya (Carica papaya L). In this study the carotenoid profiles of yellow- and red-fleshed papaya were analysed by medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) and UV-vis spectrophotometry. A section of yellow-fleshed papaya showed small carotenoid globules dispersed all over the cell, whereas in red-fleshed papaya the carotenoids were accumulated in one large globule. The major carotenoids of yellow-fleshed papaya were the provitamin A carotenoids ,-carotene (1.4 ± 0.4 µg g,1 dry weight (DW)) and ,-cryptoxanthin (15.4 ± 3.3 µg g,1 DW) and the non-provitamin A carotenoid ,-carotene (15.1 ± 3.4 µg g,1 DW), corresponding theoretically to 1516 ± 342 µg kg,1 DW mean retinol equivalent (RE). Red-fleshed papaya contained the provitamin A carotenoids ,-carotene (7.0 ± 0.7 µg g,1 DW), ,-cryptoxanthin (16.9 ± 2.9 µg g,1 DW) and ,-carotene-5,6-epoxide (2.9 ± 0.6 µg g,1 DW), and the non-provitamin A carotenoids lycopene (11.5 ± 1.8 µg g,1 DW) and ,-carotene (9.9 ± 1.1 µg g,1 DW), corresponding theoretically to 2815 ± 305 µg kg,1 DW mean RE. Thus the carotenoid profile and organisation of carotenoids in the cell differ in the two varieties of papaya. This study demonstrates that carotenoids can be successfully separated, identified and quantified using the novel technique of MPLC. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Vitamin A deficiency in healthy children aged 6,59 months in ,zmir Province of TurkeyPAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 1 2000Kurugöl Vitamin A deficiency even at subclinical levels is associated with increased childhood mortality. There have been few studies related to vitamin A status of children in Turkey. The aim of this study was to assess vitamin A status of children aged 6,59 months in ,zmir, Turkey, and to evaluate the relationship of these levels with nutritional status. One hundred and sixty children were selected for the study using the cluster sampling method. Serum retinol levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ranged from 9.8 to 59.2 ,g/dL (mean 29.3 ± 9.5 ,g/dL). Levels were below the lower limit of the normal range in 15.6% of the children. Deficient and marginal serum retinol among stunted children were observed in 16% and 42% respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between low serum retinol and stunting (P < 0.05). Although xerophthalmia and other clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency are rarely seen, subclinical vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem in ,zmir, Turkey. [source] Maternal medicine: Randomised trial of vitamin A supplementation in pregnant women in rural Malawi found to be anaemic on screening by HemoCueBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 5 2006NR Van Den Broek Objective, To assess the effects of vitamin A supplementation in women with anaemia during pregnancy. Design, Single-centre randomised controlled trial. Setting, Rural community in southern Malawi, central Africa. Population, Seven hundred women with singleton pregnancies at 12,24 weeks measured by ultrasound scan and with haemoglobin <11.0 g/dl by HemoCue screening method. Analysis was by intention to treat. All received iron and folate, and sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine for antimalarial prophylaxis. Methods, Women were randomised to receive oral supplementation with daily 5000 or 10 000 iu vitamin A, or placebo. Main outcome measures, Anaemia, as assessed by Coulter counter, severe anaemia, iron status and indices of infection. Results, Vitamin A deficiency was, in this rural population, less common than predicted. Vitamin A supplementation had no significant impact on anaemia, severe anaemia, iron status and indices of infection. Vitamin A stores were less likely to be depleted at the end of pregnancy in supplemented groups. Conclusions, Vitamin A supplementation programmes to reduce anaemia should not be implemented in similar antenatal populations in rural sub-Saharan Africa unless evidence emerges of positive benefit on substantive clinical outcomes. Introducing public health interventions of unknown benefit and with unclear biological mechanisms can divert scarce resources from clinical and social interventions more likely to impact maternal mortality. [source] Retinoids and spermatogenesis: Lessons from mutant mice lacking the plasma retinol binding proteinDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 6 2006Norbert B. Ghyselinck Abstract Using Rbp4 -null mice as models, we have established for the first time the kinetics of the spermatogenetic alterations during vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Our data demonstrate that the VAD-induced testicular degeneration arises through the normal maturation of germ cells in a context of spermatogonia differentiation arrest. They indicate that retinoic acid (RA) appears dispensable for the transition of premeiotic to meiotic spermatocytes, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. They confirm that RA plays critical roles in controlling spermatogonia differentiation, spermatid adhesion to Sertoli cells, and spermiation, and suggest that the VAD-induced arrest of spermatogonia differentiation results from simultaneous blocks in RA-dependent events mediated by RA receptor , (RAR,) in spermatogonia and by RAR, in Sertoli cells. They also provide evidence that expression of major RA-metabolizing enzymes is increased in mouse Sertoli cells upon VAD and that vitamin A-deficient A spermatogonia differ from their RA-sufficient counterparts by the expression of the Stra8 gene. Developmental Dynamics 235:1608,1622, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Comparison of indices of vitamin A status in children with chronic liver disease,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 4 2005Andrew P. Feranchak Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins is a major complication of chronic cholestatic liver disease. The most accurate way to assess vitamin A status in children who have cholestasis is unknown. The goal of this study was to assess the accuracy of noninvasive tests to detect vitamin A deficiency. Children with chronic cholestatic liver disease (n = 23) and noncholestatic liver disease (n = 10) were studied. Ten cholestatic patients were identified as vitamin A,deficient based on the relative dose response (RDR). Compared with the RDR, the sensitivity and specificity to detect vitamin A deficiency for each test was, respectively: serum retinol, 90% and 78%; retinol-binding protein (RBP), 40% and 91%; retinol/RBP molar ratio, 60% and 74%; conjunctival impression cytology, 44% and 48%; slit-lamp examination, 20% and 66%; tear film break-up time, 40% and 69%; and Schirmer's test, 20% and 78%. We developed a modified oral RDR via oral coadministration of d-alpha tocopheryl polyethylene glycol-1000 succinate and retinyl palmitate. This test had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 100% to detect vitamin A deficiency. In conclusion, vitamin A deficiency is relatively common in children who have chronic cholestatic liver disease. Our data suggest that serum retinol level as an initial screen followed by confirmation with a modified oral RDR test is the most effective means of identifying vitamin A deficiency in these subjects. (HEPATOLOGY 2005;42:782,792.) [source] Effect of drying and storage on the degradation of total carotenoids in orange-fleshed sweetpotato cultivarsJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 4 2010Aurélie Bechoff Abstract BACKGROUND: Orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) can be used to tackle vitamin A deficiency, a major public health problem in most developing countries. In East Africa, common ways of using sweetpotato include drying and subsequent storage. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of drying and storage on the total carotenoid retention (as an estimate of provitamin A retention) from OFSP. RESULTS: Losses of total carotenoid during drying were generally low (15% or less). Total carotenoid retention in OFSP was not dependent on the type of dryer (solar or sun). Sweetpotato cultivar (Ejumula, Kakamega, SPK004/1, SPK004/1/1, SPK004/6 or SPK004/6/6) had a significant effect on retention in drying (P < 0.05). High percentage losses of total carotenoids were, however, correlated with high moisture content and high carotenoid content in fresh sweetpotato roots. After 4 months' storage at room temperature in Uganda, losses of total carotenoid in dried sweetpotato chips were high (about 70%) and this was not dependent on the use of opaque or transparent packaging. CONCLUSION: Losses of carotenoids during storage were considered to be more of a nutritional constraint to the utilisation of dried sweetpotato than losses occurring during drying. The relationship between characteristics of the cultivars and losses of carotenoids during drying should be taken into account in selection of cultivars for processing. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] The production of provitamin A-rich vegetables in home-gardens as a means of addressing vitamin A deficiency in rural African communitiesJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 3 2007Mieke Faber Abstract Vitamin A deficiency remains a public health problem in the developing world. The highest prevalence of vitamin A deficiency is in Africa and Asia (>30%). Dietary modification, a long-term strategy to address vitamin A deficiency, complements food fortification and vitamin A supplementation programmes. Provitamin A carotenoids from foods of plant origin are more affordable than preformed vitamin A from animal foods, and many resource-poor households rely on yellow/orange-fleshed vegetables and fruits and dark-green leafy vegetables as their main source of vitamin A. The provitamin A carotenoid content in plant foods varies widely and differences among cultivars of the same food exist. Several factors influence the bioavailability of provitamin A carotenoids. The potential contribution of plant foods to vitamin A status depends on the retention of provitamin A carotenoids after storage, preparation and processing. Home-gardens can provide households with direct access to provitamin A-rich vegetables that are not readily available or within their financial reach. The components and critical issues of home-garden projects are described. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Analysis of carotenoids in ripe jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) kernel and study of their bioconversion in ratsJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 2 2005UG Chandrika Abstract Vitamin A deficiency is of public health importance in Sri Lanka. Carotenoids are a significant source of provitamin A. The objective of this study was to analyse the carotenoid composition of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus sinhala: Waraka) kernel using MPLC and visible spectrophotometry and to determine the bioavailability and bioconversion of carotenoids present in jackfruit kernel by monitoring (i) the growth and (ii) levels of retinol and carotenoids in the liver and serum of Wistar rats provided with jackfruit incorporated into a standard daily diet. Carotenoid pigments were extracted using petroleum ether/methanol and saponified using 10% methanolic potassium hydroxide. Six carotenoids were detected in jackfruit kernel. The carotenes ,-carotene, ,-carotene, ,-zeacarotene, ,-zeacarotene and ,-carotene-5,6-epoxide and a dicarboxylic carotenoid, crocetin, were identified, corresponding theoretically to 141.6 retinol equivalents (RE) per 100 g. Our study indicated that jackfruit is a good source of provitamin A carotenoids, though not as good as papaya. Serum retinol concentrations in rats supplemented with jackfruit carotenoids were significantly higher (p = 0.008) compared with the control group. The same was true for liver retinol (p = 0.006). Quantification was carried out by RP-HPLC. These results show that the biological conversion of provitamin A in jackfruit kernel appears satisfactory. Thus increased consumption of ripe jackfruit could be advocated as part of a strategy to prevent and control vitamin A deficiency in Sri Lanka. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Carotenoids in yellow- and red-fleshed papaya (Carica papaya L)JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 12 2003U Gamage Chandrika Abstract Vitamin A deficiency is a disorder of public health importance in Sri Lanka. A recent national survey revealed that 36% of preschool children in Sri Lanka have vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol <0.2 µg ml,1). In view of its well-established association with child morbidity and mortality, this is a reason for concern. One of the main fruits which has been recommended for prevention of vitamin A deficiency in Sri Lanka is papaya (Carica papaya L). In this study the carotenoid profiles of yellow- and red-fleshed papaya were analysed by medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) and UV-vis spectrophotometry. A section of yellow-fleshed papaya showed small carotenoid globules dispersed all over the cell, whereas in red-fleshed papaya the carotenoids were accumulated in one large globule. The major carotenoids of yellow-fleshed papaya were the provitamin A carotenoids ,-carotene (1.4 ± 0.4 µg g,1 dry weight (DW)) and ,-cryptoxanthin (15.4 ± 3.3 µg g,1 DW) and the non-provitamin A carotenoid ,-carotene (15.1 ± 3.4 µg g,1 DW), corresponding theoretically to 1516 ± 342 µg kg,1 DW mean retinol equivalent (RE). Red-fleshed papaya contained the provitamin A carotenoids ,-carotene (7.0 ± 0.7 µg g,1 DW), ,-cryptoxanthin (16.9 ± 2.9 µg g,1 DW) and ,-carotene-5,6-epoxide (2.9 ± 0.6 µg g,1 DW), and the non-provitamin A carotenoids lycopene (11.5 ± 1.8 µg g,1 DW) and ,-carotene (9.9 ± 1.1 µg g,1 DW), corresponding theoretically to 2815 ± 305 µg kg,1 DW mean RE. Thus the carotenoid profile and organisation of carotenoids in the cell differ in the two varieties of papaya. This study demonstrates that carotenoids can be successfully separated, identified and quantified using the novel technique of MPLC. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Vitamin A, Mastitis, and Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV-1 through Breast-feeding: Current Information and Gaps in KnowledgeNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 10 2005Stephanie M. Dorosko DVM Mastitis has been implicated as a risk factor for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 through breast-feeding. Maternal vitamin A deficiency is also associated with increased MTCT, as well as with episodes of mastitis in lactating animals. This review describes the complex interrelationship between vitamin A, mastitis, and MTCT of HIV-1 via mothers' milk. Current gaps in knowledge, as well as recommendations for future research efforts, are also discussed. [source] Nutritionally Enhanced Rice to Combat Malnutrition Disorders of the PoorNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 2003Dr. Ingo Potrykus Professor Emeritus Major deficiency disorders, including vitamin A deficiency, are especially common in countries in which rice is the staple food. In response to the devastating effects of vitamin A deficiency, which may include blindness and, even death, "Golden Rice" has been developed to deliver this nutrient to those populations who need it most. The case of Golden Rice is used to demonstrate the challenges of radical GMO opposition, consumer acceptance, and regulation of biotechnology-derived foods. [source] The Age-related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)NUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 9 2002Article first published online: 16 SEP 200 Some of the earliest and best known manifestations of malnutrition involve visual disorders, such as blindness that results from vitamin A deficiency. Interest is now being focused on the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of chronic age-related disorders. The Age-related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was conducted in order to determine whether high-dose supplementation could influence the natural progression of eye disease in older Americans. AREDS found that prospective administration of purified vitamin C, vitamin E, ,-carotene, zinc, and copper had some benefits for age-related maculopathy, but had virtually no impact on the progression of cataracts. [source] Meeting Requirements for Vitamin ANUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 11 2000Clive E. West Ph.D., D.Sc. When the intake of foods or pharmaceutical preparations containing sufficient nutrients of adequate bioavailability are consumed, nutrient requirements are met and optimal nutritional status is maintained. Recent studies have shown that the basis for describing vitamin A activity of carotenoids overestimates the bioavailability of provitamin A carotenoids and their bioconversion to retinol (vitamin A). It is therefore proposed that instead of 6 pg from a mixed diet, 21 ,g ,-carotene are required to provide 1 ,g of retinol or 1 RE (retinol equivalent) of vitamin A. Based on this assumption and on data from food balance sheets, estimates of daily per capita vitamin A intake expressed in RE in Africa, South America, and Asia are reduced from 895, 599, and 667, respectively, to 371, 372, and 258, respectively. Such intakes are well below the recommended daily intake of 600 RE for adult males. A new combination of approaches will therefore have to be used to combat vitamin A deficiency rather than that used up until now. [source] A Gene Knockout Corroborates the Integral Function of Cellular Retinol-binding Protein in Retinoid MetabolismNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 8 2000Joseph L. Napoli Ph.D. Continually expanding evidence has moved inexorably toward establishing key functions for cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) in retinoid metabolism. These experimental data integrate into a model of CRBP as a chaperone that protects retinol from the cellular milieu and interacts with certain retinoid-metabolizing enzymes. Mutant mice with an inactivated CRBP gene show decreased liver retinyl ester storage, a shorter elimination half-life of liver retinoids, and predisposition to vitamin A deficiency. No morphologic phenotype was observed until vitamin A was exhausted. Although the mechanisms underlying diminished vitamin A in the CRBP-null mice have not been elucidated, the observations support the model of CRBP as a chaperone of retinoid metabolism. [source] Vitamin A deficiency in healthy children aged 6,59 months in ,zmir Province of TurkeyPAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 1 2000Kurugöl Vitamin A deficiency even at subclinical levels is associated with increased childhood mortality. There have been few studies related to vitamin A status of children in Turkey. The aim of this study was to assess vitamin A status of children aged 6,59 months in ,zmir, Turkey, and to evaluate the relationship of these levels with nutritional status. One hundred and sixty children were selected for the study using the cluster sampling method. Serum retinol levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ranged from 9.8 to 59.2 ,g/dL (mean 29.3 ± 9.5 ,g/dL). Levels were below the lower limit of the normal range in 15.6% of the children. Deficient and marginal serum retinol among stunted children were observed in 16% and 42% respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between low serum retinol and stunting (P < 0.05). Although xerophthalmia and other clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency are rarely seen, subclinical vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem in ,zmir, Turkey. [source] Effect of dietary vitamin A deficiency on growth performance, feed utilization and immune responses of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian)AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 8 2008Qi-hui Yang First page of article [source] Clinical and pathological findings associated with congenital hypovitaminosis A in extensively grazed beef cattleAUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009BD Hill Objective To determine the cause of exceptionally high mortality (41.4%) in perinatal calves on a beef cattle property 50 km south-west of Julia Creek in north-western Queensland. Design Investigations were based on clinical assessment of affected calves and laboratory analysis of pre- and postmortem specimens taken from 12 calves aged from 6 to 36 h of age. Methods Associations between gross and histopathological findings and biochemical analyses conducted on serum and tissue samples were examined in relation to clinical observations. Results Clinical signs varied, but commonly included mild to severe ataxia, difficulty finding a teat and sucking, blindness (partial or complete, as judged by avoidance of obstacles) and depression with prominent drooping of the head. Gross and histopathological findings included herniation of the cerebellar vermis through the foramen magnum, squamous metaplasia of interlobular ducts in the parotid salivary glands and Wallerian degeneration of the optic nerves. Biochemical analysis of serum and liver samples available from four of the calves revealed low or undetectable levels of both vitamin A and vitamin E. Conclusion Although vitamin E is known to have a sparing effect on vitamin A, the role (if any) played by deficiency of this vitamin was uncertain. The combination of clinical signs, postmortem findings, histopathological features and biochemical findings indicate that gestational vitamin A deficiency was highly likely to have been an important contributor to perinatal calf mortalities in this herd. [source] Effects of vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy on maternal and child healthBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 6 2002M.S. Radhika Objective To examine the association between biochemical vitamin A deficiency in pregnancy and maternal and fetal health. Design A cross sectional clinical study. Setting Antenatal clinic of nutrition unit of Niloufer Hospital catering for a low socio-economic population, and a private nursing home (Swapna nursing home) catering for a high socio-economic population. Population 736 pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy belonging to low (n= 522) and high socio-economic groups (n= 214). Methods All the women were subjected to a detailed clinical, anthropometric and obstetric examination. Night blindness was assessed by administering the standard WHO questionnaire. Birthweight and gestational age of the infants, maternal anaemia and development of pregnancy-induced hypertension in the mother were recorded. Haemoglobin and serum retinol were estimated at the time of recruitment to the study. Main outcome measures Serum retinol levels, anaemia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, birthweight and gestational age of the infant. Results Night blindness was observed in 2.9% of the women and subclincal vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol <20 ,g/dL with no clinical signs) in 27% of the women. Moderate to severe anaemia was observed in 41.2% of the women, and 15.8% of the women developed pregnancy-induced hypertension. Sixty-one (9.4%) women delivered preterm. Univariate analysis identified a significant association between serum retinol <20 ,g/dL and preterm delivery (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.03,2.96), maternal anaemia (OR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.28,2.60) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.02,2.83). After adjusting for the confounding variables (body mass index, parity, age and socio-economic status) in a multivariate analysis, the significant associations between serum retinol <20 ,g/dL and preterm delivery (P= 0.02) and anaemia (P= 0.003) persisted, while that for pregnancy-induced hypertension disappeared (P= 0.71). Conclusion The study suggests that subclinical vitamin A deficiency is a problem during the third trimester of pregnancy. Serum concentration of retinol <20 ,g/dL appears to indicate a deficient status, and is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery and maternal anaemia. [source] | ||||||||||