[The effect of vitamin-mineral supplementation on vitamins D, A (beta-carotene) and E concentration in blood of matched maternal-cord pairs]

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Vibovitmama supplementation on status of fat soluble vitamins D, A (beta-carotene) and E in blood of pregnant women and in umbilical cord blood of their children. In group taking Vibovitmama serum concentration of vitamin D, was higher by 10% than in the placebo group was observed. However it was within the normal range and was not statistically significant. Supplementation affected vitamin D concentration in serum of cord blood. It was higher by 20% in the group taking vitamin preparation than in group taking placebo and was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Retinol and beta-carotene in plasma increased during pregnancy by 15% and 25% (p < 0.002) respectively in placebo and supplemented group. In umbilical cord blood in the group taking Vibovitmama, concentration of vitamin A was 1.52 micromol/L and of beta-carotene 1.86 micromol/L versus 1.45 micromol/L and 1.79 micro/L found in group of placebo. In plasma level, vitamin E was higher in late pregnancy than in the I trimester (by about 40%) and was not modified by vitamins supplementation. In erythrocytes the concentration of tocopherol increased by 18% in placebo and by 25% in group taking Vibovitmama. In the plasma of cord blood level of vitamin E was not modified by supplementation, whereas in red blood cells it was slightly increased (by 10%) but not statistically significant. Our results suggest that vitamin-mineral supplementation of pregnant women improved status of fat soluble vitamins in mothers and their children.