Maternal to fetal transfer of vitamin C and vitamin E: effect on birth outcome in a Nigerian population

Authors

  • Ikechukwu Chidiebere Ikaraoha Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, Imo State University Owerri, Imo State http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0441-8693
  • Nkeiruka Chigaekwu Mbadiwe Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3721-450X
  • John Ibhagbemien Anetor Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan
  • Constance Nnedimma Nwadike Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, Imo State University Owerri, Imo State http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0278-1587
  • Isreal Ojareva Oforofuo Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v7i4.14372

Keywords:

Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Antioxidant, Maternal, Newborn, Birth outcome, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: New evidence suggests that excessive production of reactive oxygen species give rise to oxidative stress which could impair fetal growth. Antioxidant vitamin C and vitamin E have vital role in physiological process of pregnancy and health of the developing fetus.

Aims and Objectives: To determine the concentrations of vitamin C and vitamin E in pair-matched maternal and cord serum of newborns and to determine the relationship between maternal/cord serum vitamin C and vitamin E at delivery and birth outcomes.

Materials and Methods: A total of 209 maternal and cord blood samples were collected during delivery for serum vitamin C and E determination. Birth outcomes; birth weight, birth length, head circumference, and Apgar score were determined.

Result: Newborns had significantly higher levels of vitamin C as compared to their mothers, but had non-significant lower level of vitamin E.  Levels of vitamin C and E in both maternal and cord serum were positively correlated to birth weight, birth length, head circumference and Apgar score.

Conclusion: Maternal vitamin C and E had significant effects on birth outcomes. A positive correlation of vitamin C and E indicates that their status in mother does influence newborns status.

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(4) 2016 49-54

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Published

2016-07-04

How to Cite

Ikaraoha, I. C., Mbadiwe, N. C., Anetor, J. I., Nwadike, C. N., & Oforofuo, I. O. (2016). Maternal to fetal transfer of vitamin C and vitamin E: effect on birth outcome in a Nigerian population. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 7(4), 49–54. https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v7i4.14372

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 4 (2016)

Section

Original Articles

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