Fatores associados à deficiência de vitamina D em mulheres gestantes e lactantes / Factores asociados a la deficiencia de vitamina D en mujeres embarazadas y lactantes / Factors associated with vitamin d deficiency in pregnant and lactatingwomen

Introdução: A deficiência de vitamina D durante a gestação e a lactação pode repercutir negativamente no desenvolvimento fetal e infantil, devido seu papel fundamental nos sistemas imunológico, cardíaco, ósseo, muscular e neural. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão de literatura para integrar estudos que evidenciam a deficiência de vitamina D em gestantes e lactantes, e os fatores de risco associados a essa carência. Metodologia: Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico entre agosto e outubro de 2021, com atualização entre outubro e novembro de 2022 através de pesquisas às bases Pubmed e Scielo, bem como às listas de referências dos artigos selecionados. Foram empregados os descritores consumo alimentar, vitamina D, deficiência de vitamina D, gestantes e lactantes, usando-se o operador booleano AND para a associação entre eles. Como critérios de inclusão foram adotados o tipo de estudo (epidemiológicos, ensaios clínicos e revisões integrativa e sistemática), o idioma (espanhol, inglês e português) e o período de publicação (2010 a 2022). Resultados: Evidenciou-se que existem vários fatores de riscos para a inadequação do status de vitamina D em gestantes e lactantes como a baixa exposição da pele à luz solar e fatores relacionados (uso excessivo de protetor solar, menor tempo de atividades ao ar livre, clima, religião e hábitos culturais, maior escolaridade);a pigmentação mais escura da pele; o baixo consumo alimentar de vitamina D e variáveis associadas; a menor idade materna; o primeiro trimestre gestacional; a primiparidade e o excesso de tecido adiposo. Conclusões: Em gestantes e lactantes, a carência de vitamina D associa-se a distintos fatores, com destaque principalmente para a baixa exposição à luz solar, a pigmentação mais escura da pele e o excesso de tecido adiposo, sendo de extrema importância que sejam abordados com cautela, visando ações voltadas a variáveis modificáveis, de modo a auxiliar na redução da hipovitaminose D nestes grupos (AU).

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and breastfeeding can have a negative impact on fetal and infant development due to its fundamental role in the immune, cardiac, bone, muscular and neural systems. Objective: To conduct a literature review to integrate studies which show the Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant andlactating women, and the risk factors associated with this deficiency. Methodology: A bibliographic survey was carried out between August and October 2021, with an update between October and November 2022 through searches in the Pubmed and Scielo databases, as well as the reference lists of the selected articles. The descriptors food consumption, vitamin D, vitamin D deficiency, pregnant and lactating women were used, using the Boolean operator AND for the association between them. The type of study (epidemiological, clinical trials and integrative and systematic reviews), language (Spanish, English and Portuguese) and publication period (2010 to 2022) was adopted as inclusion criteria.Results:It was shown that there are several risk factors for inadequate vitamin D status in pregnant and lactating women, such as low skin exposure to sunlight and related factors (excessive use of sunscreen, less time spent outdoors, climate, religion and cultural habits, higher education); darker skin pigmentation; low dietary intake of vitamin D and associated variables; the lowest maternal age; the first gestational trimester; primiparity and excess adipose tissue.Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant and lactating women is associated with different factors, witha main emphasis on low exposure to sunlight, darker skin pigmentation and excess adipose tissue. Furthermore, it is extremely important that these factors are approached with caution, implementing actions aimed at modifiable variables in order to help reduce hypovitaminosis D in these groups (AU).

Introducción: La deficiencia de vitamina D durante el embarazo y la lactancia puede tener un impacto negativo en el desarrollo fetal e infantil, por su papel fundamental en los sistemas inmunológico, cardíaco, óseo, muscular y neural. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión bibliográfica para integrar estudios que evidencien la deficiencia de vitamina D en mujeres embarazadas y lactantes, y los factores de riesgo asociados. Metodología:Se realizó un levantamiento bibliográfico entre agosto y octubre de 2021, con actualizaciones entre octubre y noviembre de 2022 mediante búsquedas en las bases de datos Pubmed y Scielo, así como en las listas de referencias de los artículos seleccionados. Se utilizaron los descriptores consumo de alimentos, vitamina D, deficiencia de vitamina D, gestantes y lactantes, utilizándose el operador booleano AND para la asociación entre ellos. Se adoptaron como criterios de inclusión el tipo de estudio (epidemiológicos, clínicos, revisiones integradoras y sistemáticas), idioma (español, inglés y portugués) y período de publicación (2010 a 2022).Resultados: Existen varios factores de riesgo para un estado inadecuado de vitamina D en mujeres embarazadas y lactantes, como la baja exposición de la piel a la luz solar y factores relacionados (uso excesivo de protector solar, menor tiempo al aire libre, clima, religión y hábitos culturales, educación más alta); pigmentación de la piel más oscura; baja ingesta dietética de vitamina D y variables asociadas; la edad materna más baja; el primer trimestre gestacional; Primiparidad y exceso de tejido adiposo. Conclusiones:En mujeres embarazadas y lactantes, el déficit de vitamina D se asocia a diferentes factores, especialmente la baja exposición solar, la pigmentación de la piel más oscura y el exceso de tejido adiposo, y es de suma importancia abordarlos con precaución, apuntando a acciones dirigidas a variables modificables, con el fin de ayudar a reducir la hipovitaminosis D en estos grupos (AU).

A importância da alimentação e nutrição para indivíduos com enxaqueca / La importancia de la alimentación y nutrición para personas con jaqueca / The importance of food and nutrition for people with chronic migraines

Introdução: As cefaleias são consideradas um importante problema de saúde pública e estima-se que são a segunda queixa mais comum de dor, sendo a enxaqueca uma das mais presentes. O tratamento da enxaqueca pode ser sintomático ou profilático, a fim de reduzir os sintomas em períodos de crise e evitar que novas crises se instalem, destacando a importância da adoção de hábitos saudáveis e uma alimentação equilibrada. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura, destacando os principais achados sobre a importância da alimentação e nutrição para indivíduos acometidos pela enxaqueca. Metodologia: foi realizado um levantamento de estudos nas bases de dados: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS); Medline, LILACS, SciELO e Google Acadêmico, além de ter sido considerada a lista de referências dos trabalhos consultados, utilizando a estratégia PECO, onde P (population) indica a população, a letra E (exposure) exposição, C (comparison) comparação e a letra O (outcome) se refere aos desfechos esperados, assim gerou a pergunta norteadora do estudo: "Qual é a importância da alimentação e nutrição para indivíduos com enxaqueca?". Resultados: Foram selecionados 15 estudos para a produção do presente trabalho e foi realizada uma síntese descritiva dos resultados obtidos da relação e influência de hábitos alimentares com a enxaqueca. Conclusões: Conclui-se que os hábitos alimentares e a nutrição adequada têm grande influência e importância para indivíduos com enxaqueca, pois dessa forma, podem reduzir os sintomas apresentados e crises, já que as substâncias presentes nos alimentos estão relacionadas com o início e intensificação das crises (AU).

Introduction: Headaches are considered an important public health problem and are estimated to be the second most common pain complaint, with migraines being one of the most common. Migraine treatment is symptomatic and prophylactic to reduce symptoms when an attack starts and prevent new ones from forming, highlighting the importance of adopting healthy habits and a balanced diet. Objective: The purpose of this study was to carry out an integrative review of the literature in order to highlight the main findings on the influence of eating habits and the importance of nutrition for migraine patients. Methodology:A survey study was performed in the following databases: Virtual Health Library (VHL); Medline, LILACS, SciELO, and Google Scholar, in addition to considering the reference list of the consulted works. The PECO P (population) E (exposure) C (comparison) O (outcome) strategy was used, which generated the guiding question of the study: 'How important is food and nutrition for people with chronic migraines?'. Results:A total of 15 studies were selected to analyze in this work and a descriptive synthesis of the results was performed on the relationship and influence of eating habits of people with chronic migraines. Conclusions:It was concluded that eating habits and adequate nutrition have great influence and importance for migraine patients, as they are one of the main culprits of triggering and intensifying attacks (AU).

Introducción: Las cefaleas son consideradas un importante problema de salud pública y se estima que son la segunda queja más común de dolor, siendo la jaqueca una de las más frecuentes. El tratamiento de la jaqueca puede ser sintomático o profiláctico, con el fin de reducir los síntomas en periodos de crisis y evitar que nuevas ocurran, destacando la importancia de una adopción de hábitos saludables y una alimentación equilibrada. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revisión integrativa de la literatura, destacando los principales hallazgos sobre la importancia de la alimentación y nutrición en personas afectadas por la jaqueca. Metodología: Fue realizada una investigación de los estudios en las bases de dados: Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS); Medline, LILACS, SciELO y Google Académico, además de considerar la lista de referencias de los trabajos consultados, utilizando la estrategia PECO, donde P (population) indica la población, la letra E (exposure) exposición, C (comparison) comparación y la letra O (outcome) se refiere a los resultados esperados, así fue generada la pregunta guía del estudio: "¿Cuál es la importancia de la alimentación y nutrición para las personas con jaqueca?" Resultados: Fueron seccionados 15 estudios para la producción del presente trabajo y fue realizada una síntesis descriptiva de los resultados obtenidos de la relación e influencia de los hábitos alimentarios con la jaqueca. Conclusiones: Se concluye que los hábitos alimentarios y la nutrición adecuada tienen gran influencia e importancia para las personas conjaqueca, pues de esta forma, pueden reducir los síntomas presentados y crisis, ya que las sustancias presentes en los alimentos están relacionadas con el inicio e intensificación de las crisis (AU).

Impacts of Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods on the Maternal-Child Health: A Systematic Review.

Background and Aims: Changes in eating patterns have been leading to an increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), negatively impacting the quality of the diet and generating risk of harm to the health of the adult population, however, there is no systematized evidence of the impact of UPF in maternal-child health. Thus, in this study we aimed to evaluated the association between UPF consumption and health outcomes in the maternal-child population. Methods: Systematic review registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42021236633), conducted according to the PRISMA diagram in the following databases: PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, and CAPES thesis and dissertation directory. We included original cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies in any language. Eligibility criteria were (a) food consumption assessment by the NOVA classification, (b) health outcome (nutritional or diseases), and (c) maternal-child population (pregnant, lactating women and infants/children). All data were analyzed and extracted to a spreadsheet structured by two independent reviewers. We evaluated the methodological quality of the studies included using the Newcastle-Otawa Scale and RoB 2. Results: Searches retrieved 7,801 studies and 15 contemplated the eligibility criteria. Most studies included were cohort studies (n = 8, 53%), had children as their population (n = 9, 60%) and only one study evaluated UPF consumption in infants and lactating women. Panoramically, we observed that a higher participation of UPF in children's diet has been associated with different maternal-child outcomes, such as increase of weight gain, adiposity measures, overweight, early weaning, lower diet quality, metabolic alterations, diseases, and consumption of plastic originated from packaging. Only one of the studies included did not present high methodological quality. Conclusion: Despite the limited literature on UPF consumption and health outcomes in the maternal-child population, the highest UPF consumption negatively impacted nutrition and disease development indicators in pregnant, lactating women and children. Considering the expressive participation of these foods in the diet, other studies should be conducted to further investigate the impact of UPF consumption on different health indicators, especially in the lactation phase for this was the one to present the most important knowledge gap. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021236633], identifier [CRD42021236633].

Effects of a Brazilian cardioprotective diet and nuts on cardiometabolic parameters after myocardial infarction: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Nut consumption has been related to improvements on cardiometabolic parameters and reduction in the severity of atherosclerosis mainly in primary cardiovascular prevention. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the effects of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet (DIeta CArdioprotetora Brasileira, DICA Br) based on consumption of inexpensive locally accessible foods supplemented or not with mixed nuts on cardiometabolic features in patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: DICA-NUTS study is a national, multicenter, randomized 16-week follow-up clinical trial. Patients over 40 years old with diagnosis of previous MI in the last 2 to 6 months will be recruited (n = 388). A standardized questionnaire will be applied to data collection and blood samples will be obtained. Patients will be allocated in two groups: Group 1: DICA Br supplemented with 30 g/day of mixed nuts (10 g of peanuts, 10 g of cashew, 10 g of Brazil nuts); and Group 2: only DICA Br. The primary outcome will consist of LDL cholesterol means (in mg/dL) after 16 weeks of intervention. Secondary outcomes will consist of other markers of lipid profile, glycemic profile, and anthropometric data. DISCUSSION: It is expected that DICA Br supplemented with mixed nuts have superior beneficial effects on cardiometabolic parameters in patients after a MI, when compared to DICA Br. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03728127 . First register: November 1, 2018; Last update: June 16, 2021. World Health Organization Universal Trial Number (WHO-UTN): U1111-1259-8105.

Intrauterine growth and the vitamin e status of full-term and preterm newborns / Crescimento intrauterino e status de vitamina e de recém-nascidos a termo e pré-termo

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in umbilical cord serum of full-term and preterm newborns, in order to assess the nutritional status of both groups in relation to the vitamin and its possible correlation with intrauterine growth. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study conducted with 140 newborns, of which 64 were preterm and 76 were full-term. They did not have any malformations, they came from healthy mothers, who were nonsmokers, and delivered a single baby. Intrauterine growth was evaluated by weight-to-gestational age at birth, using Intergrowth-21st. Thealpha-tocopherol levels of umbilical cord serum were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results: The mean concentration of alpha-tocopherol in umbilical cord serum for preterm and full-term infants was 263.3±129.5 and 247.0±147.6 µg/dL (p=0.494). In the preterm group, 23% were small for gestational age, whereas in the full-term group, this percentage was only 7% (p=0.017). Low levels of vitamin E were found in 95.3% of preterm infants and 92.1% of full-term infants. There was no correlation between alpha-tocopherol levels and weight to gestational age Z score (p=0.951). Conclusions: No association was found between alpha-tocopherol levels and weight to gestational age at birth. Intrauterine growth restriction was more frequent in preterm infants and most infants had low levels of vitamin E at the time of delivery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a concentração de alfatocoferol em soro de cordão umbilical de recém-nascidos a termo e pré-termo, a fim de avaliar o estado nutricional de ambos os grupos com relação a essa vitamina e sua possível correlação sobre o crescimento intrauterino. Métodos: Estudo observacional de caráter transversal realizado com 140 recém-nascidos, 64 pré-termo e 76 a termo, sem malformações, oriundos de mães saudáveis, não fumantes e com parto de concepto único. O crescimento intrauterino foi avaliado pelo índice peso por idade gestacional ao nascer, utilizando a Intergrowth-21st. Os níveis de alfatocoferol do soro do cordão umbilical foram analisados por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Resultados: A concentração média de alfatocoferol no soro do cordão umbilical para recém-nascidos pré-termo e a termo foi de, respectivamente, 263,3±129,5 e 247,0±147,6 µg/dL (p=0,494). Baixos níveis de vitamina E foram encontrados em 95,3% dos prematuros e em 92,1% dos neonatos a termo. Nogrupo pré-termo, 23% eram pequenos para a idade gestacional, enquanto no grupo a termo esse percentual foi de apenas 7% (p=0,017). Não houve correlação entre os níveis de alfatocoferol e o escore Z de peso para idade gestacional (p=0,951). Conclusões: Não foi encontrada associação entre os níveis de alfatocoferol e a adequação do peso à idade gestacional ao nascer. A restrição do crescimento intrauterino foi mais frequente nos nascidos pré-termo, e a maioria dos recém-nascidos apresentou níveis baixos de vitamina E no momento do parto.

INTRAUTERINE GROWTH AND THE VITAMIN E STATUS OF FULL-TERM AND PRETERM NEWBORNS.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in umbilical cord serum of full-term and preterm newborns, in order to assess the nutritional status of both groups in relation to the vitamin and its possible correlation with intrauterine growth. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study conducted with 140 newborns, of which 64 were preterm and 76 were full-term. They did not have any malformations, they came from healthy mothers, who were nonsmokers, and delivered a single baby. Intrauterine growth was evaluated by weight-to-gestational age at birth, using Intergrowth-21st. Thealpha-tocopherol levels of umbilical cord serum were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. RESULTS: The mean concentration of alpha-tocopherol in umbilical cord serum for preterm and full-term infants was 263.3±129.5 and 247.0±147.6 µg/dL (p=0.494). In the preterm group, 23% were small for gestational age, whereas in the full-term group, this percentage was only 7% (p=0.017). Low levels of vitamin E were found in 95.3% of preterm infants and 92.1% of full-term infants. There was no correlation between alpha-tocopherol levels and weight to gestational age Z score (p=0.951). CONCLUSIONS: No association was found between alpha-tocopherol levels and weight to gestational age at birth. Intrauterine growth restriction was more frequent in preterm infants and most infants had low levels of vitamin E at the time of delivery.

VITAMIN E IN HUMAN MILK AND ITS RELATION TO THE NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENT OF THE TERM NEWBORN. / VITAMINA E NO LEITE HUMANO E SUA RELAÇÃO COM O REQUERIMENTO NUTRICIONAL DO RECÉM-NASCIDO A TERMO.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the alpha-tocopherol concentration in breast milk at different periods of lactation and to estimate the possible supply of vitamin E to the infant. METHODS: A longitudinal observational study was carried out with 100 mothers at University Hospital Ana Bezerra (HUAB), at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, in Santa Cruz (RN), Northeast Brazil. Samples of colostrum (n=100), transitional milk (n=77), and mature milk (n=63) were collected. Alpha-tocopherol was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Vitamin supply to the newborn was estimated by comparing the nutritional requirement of vitamin E (4 mg/day) with the potential daily intake of milk. RESULTS: The mean alpha-tocopherol concentration found in colostrum, transitional, and mature milk was 40.5±15.0 µmol/L, 13.9±5.2 µmol/L, and 8.0±3.8 µmol/L, respectively (p<0.001). The possible effect of these milks offered to the infant 6.2 mg/day of vitamin E in colostrum, 4.7 mg/day in transitional milk, and 2.7 mg/day in mature milk (p<0.0001), shows that only the mature milk did not guarantee the recommended quantity of this vitamin. CONCLUSIONS: Alpha-tocopherol levels in human milk decrease through the progression of lactation, and the possible intake of colostrum and transitional milk met the nutritional requirement of the infant. Mature milk may provide smaller amounts of vitamin E. Thus, it is important to study the factors that are associated with such low levels.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar a concentração de alfa-tocoferol no leite materno em diferentes períodos de lactação e estimar o provável fornecimento de vitamina E ao lactente. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal observacional realizado com 100 puérperas atendidas para o parto no Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra (HUAB) da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), em Santa Cruz (RN). Foram coletados leite colostro (n=100), leite de transição (n=77) e leite maduro (n=63) no seguimento da lactação. O alfa-tocoferol foi analisado por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. O fornecimento de vitamina E para o neonato foi estimado comparando-se o requerimento nutricional de vitamina E (4 mg/dia) com a ingestão diária de leite. RESULTADOS: A concentração média de alfa-tocoferol encontrada nos leites colostro, de transição e maduro foi 40,5±15,0 µmol/L, 13,9±5,2 µmol/L e 8,0±3,8 µmol/L, respectivamente (p<0,001). A possível ingestão desses leites pelo lactente forneceu 6,2 mg/dia de vitamina E no colostro, 4,7 mg/dia no de transição e 2,7 mg/dia no maduro (p<0,0001), evidenciando que apenas o último não garantiu a quantidade recomendada dessa vitamina. CONCLUSÕES: Os níveis de alfa-tocoferol no leite diminuíram com a progressão da lactação, e a provável ingestão dos leites colostro e de transição conseguiu atender ao requerimento nutricional do lactente. O leite maduro pode fornecer menores quantidades da vitamina E, o que torna importante o estudo dos fatores que se associam a esses baixos níveis.

Vitamina e no leite humano e sua relação com o requerimento nutricional do recém-nascido a termo / Vitamin e in human milk and its relation to the nutritional requirement of the term newborn

RESUMO Objetivos: Determinar a concentração de alfa-tocoferol no leite materno em diferentes períodos de lactação e estimar o provável fornecimento de vitamina E ao lactente. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal observacional realizado com 100 puérperas atendidas para o parto no Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra (HUAB) da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), em Santa Cruz (RN). Foram coletados leite colostro (n=100), leite de transição (n=77) e leite maduro (n=63) no seguimento da lactação. O alfa-tocoferol foi analisado por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. O fornecimento de vitamina E para o neonato foi estimado comparando-se o requerimento nutricional de vitamina E (4 mg/dia) com a ingestão diária de leite. Resultados: A concentração média de alfa-tocoferol encontrada nos leites colostro, de transição e maduro foi 40,5±15,0 µmol/L, 13,9±5,2 µmol/L e 8,0±3,8 µmol/L, respectivamente (p<0,001). A possível ingestão desses leites pelo lactente forneceu 6,2 mg/dia de vitamina E no colostro, 4,7 mg/dia no de transição e 2,7 mg/dia no maduro (p<0,0001), evidenciando que apenas o último não garantiu a quantidade recomendada dessa vitamina. Conclusões: Os níveis de alfa-tocoferol no leite diminuíram com a progressão da lactação, e a provável ingestão dos leites colostro e de transição conseguiu atender ao requerimento nutricional do lactente. O leite maduro pode fornecer menores quantidades da vitamina E, o que torna importante o estudo dos fatores que se associam a esses baixos níveis.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To determine the alpha-tocopherol concentration in breast milk at different periods of lactation and to estimate the possible supply of vitamin E to the infant. Methods: A longitudinal observational study was carried out with 100 mothers at University Hospital Ana Bezerra (HUAB), at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, in Santa Cruz (RN), Northeast Brazil. Samples of colostrum (n=100), transitional milk (n=77), and mature milk (n=63) were collected. Alpha-tocopherol was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Vitamin supply to the newborn was estimated by comparing the nutritional requirement of vitamin E (4 mg/day) with the potential daily intake of milk. Results: The mean alpha-tocopherol concentration found in colostrum, transitional, and mature milk was 40.5±15.0 µmol/L, 13.9±5.2 µmol/L, and 8.0±3.8 µmol/L, respectively (p<0.001). The possible effect of these milks offered to the infant 6.2 mg/day of vitamin E in colostrum, 4.7 mg/day in transitional milk, and 2.7 mg/day in mature milk (p<0.0001), shows that only the mature milk did not guarantee the recommended quantity of this vitamin. Conclusions: Alpha-tocopherol levels in human milk decrease through the progression of lactation, and the possible intake of colostrum and transitional milk met the nutritional requirement of the infant. Mature milk may provide smaller amounts of vitamin E. Thus, it is important to study the factors that are associated with such low levels.

Association between maternal vitamin E status and alpha-tocopherol levels in the newborn and colostrum.

Vitamin E is important because of its antioxidant activity in situations of oxidative stress, especially postnatally. Hence, the objective was to verify whether maternal alpha-tocopherol level is associated with the alpha-tocopherol levels of the newborn and colostrum. This is a cross-sectional study of 58 women and their term newborns from a public hospital. Blood and colostrum were collected to measure alpha-tocopherol levels by high-performance liquid chromatography. Mothers with serum alpha-tocopherol levels <16.2 mmol L(-1) and newborns <11.6 mmol L(-1) were indicative of deficiency or low levels. Mothers were divided into two groups: <16.2 mmol L(-1) and those with levels ≥16.2 mmol L(-1) . The mean (95% confidence interval) serum alpha-tocopherol levels of mothers, umbilical cords and colostrum were 28 (24-32), 6 (5-8) and 39 mmol L(-1) (32-45), respectively (P < 0.001); 19% of the women and 90% of the newborns had low alpha-tocopherol levels. Maternal alpha-tocopherol level was associated with that of the umbilical cord. Newborns from mothers at risk of deficiency had low alpha-tocopherol levels (P < 0.001). Colostrum levels of vitamin E were not influenced by maternal serum. Maternal deficiency influenced the vitamin E level of the umbilical cord but does not in the colostrum, evidencing distinct transfer mechanisms via the mammary gland.

A randomized trial evaluating the effect of 2 regimens of maternal vitamin a supplementation on breast milk retinol levels.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 2 different megadoses of retinyl palmitate on the level of retinol in the breast milk of healthy women. In total, 199 women were randomly allocated to 3 groups and supplemented in the postpartum period with a single retinyl palmitate dose of 200 000 IU (S1), a double dose of 200 000 IU 24 hours apart (S2), or no supplementation (C). Retinol content of colostrum and mature milk at 4 weeks was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For colostrum, no significant difference was found between the groups (P = .965). The retinol content in mature milk differed between group C and groups S1 and S2 (P < .05). The double dose of vitamin A did not significantly increase the retinol content of milk at 4 weeks postpartum in comparison to a single dose; however, future research is needed to determine the optimal timing of the second dose of vitamin A.

Suplementação materna com retinil palmitato no pós-parto imediato: consumo potencial por lactentes / Suplementación materna con retinil palmitato en el post-parto inmediato: consumo potencial por lactantes / Maternal supplementation with retinyl palmitate during immediate postpartum period: potential consumption by infants

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da suplementação materna com dose única de retinil palmitato no pós-parto para o fornecimento de vitamina A ao lactente. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico realizado em Natal (RN), entre março e dezembro de 2007, com 85 mulheres aleatoriamente distribuídas em dois grupos. As suplementações de retinil palmitato no pós-parto corresponderam à dose única de 200.000 (grupo experimento) UI e 0 UI (grupo controle). A quantificação do nível de retinol no leite foi obtida pelo método de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Com base nas concentrações de retinol obtidas no leite materno e por meio de simulações, foi calculado o consumo de vitamina A dos lactentes nos momentos 24h e 30 dias pós-parto. RESULTADOS: No momento 24h pós-parto, o fornecimento diário de retinol ao recém-nascido via colostro foi de 1,63 µmol para o grupo controle e 2,9 µmol para o grupo experimento, considerando ingestão adequada de 1,40 µmol/dia e volume de leite consumido de 500 mL/dia. Trinta dias pós-parto, esses valores corresponderam a 0,64 µmol/dia (controle) e 0,89 µmol/dia (experimento), um aumento de 39 por cento na concentração de retinol no grupo experimento em relação ao grupo controle ou 64 por cento da recomendação para lactentes de zero a seis meses de idade. CONCLUSÕES: A suplementação materna com 200.000 UI de retinil palmitato no pós-parto imediato e a promoção de práticas de aleitamento materno são eficientes para melhorar o estado nutricional em vitamina A do binômio mãe-filho.

Maternal supplementation with retinyl palmitate during immediate postpartum period: potential consumption by infants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of maternal supplementation with a single dose of retinyl palmitate during the postpartum period, in order to provide vitamin A for the infant. METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted in Natal (Northern Brazil), between March and December 2007, on 85 women distributed randomly into two groups. The postpartum supplements of retinyl palmitate consisted of a single dose of 200,000 IU (experimental group) and zero IU (control group). The retinol levels in milk were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. Based on the retinol concentrations obtained in breast milk and through simulations, vitamin A consumption among infants 24 hours and 30 days postpartum was calculated. RESULTS: The daily provision of retinol to newborns through colostrum, 24 hours postpartum, was 1.63 micromol for the controls and 2.9 micromol for the experimental group, taking adequate intake to be 1.40 micromol/day and the milk volume consumed to be 500 ml/day. Thirty days postpartum, these values were 0.64 micromol/day (controls) and 0.89 micromol/day (experimental group), corresponding to a 39% increase in retinol concentration in the experimental group, in relation to the control group, or 64% of the recommendation for infants aged zero to six months. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal supplementation with 200,000 IU of retinyl palmitate during the immediate post-partum period, and promotion of breastfeeding practices, are efficient for increasing the nutritional status of vitamin A for the mother-child pair.