Vitamin B6 status during pregnancy

Abstract

Nutritional status of vitamin B6 was investigated in 20 non-pregnant and 60 pregnant women (in the second trimester, third trimester and early postpartum) by determining the erythrocyte glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (EGPT) index. An EGPT index of greater than 1.15 indicative of vitamin B6 deficiency was noted in 30.0% non-pregnant subjects and in 50.0, 53.1 and 44.4% of pregnant subjects in second trimester, third trimester and postpartum periods, respectively. The deficiency developed at any of the three stages of pregnancy under study. Follow up of individual cases revealed no progressive deterioration in vitamin B6 nutrition with advancement of pregnancy. EGPT index values showed large individual variation during pregnancy. The mean intake of vitamin B6 was lower than the recommended and only 5.9% of subjects reported consuming greater than or equal to 2.5 mg vitamin B6/day. There was no significant correlation between biochemical parameters and vitamin B6 intake/day or vitamin B6/100 g protein/day. No significant relationships were observed between vitamin B6 status and the outcome of pregnancy, or anthropometric measures of neonates.