Serum vitamin A and carotene concentrations among Egyptian fullterm neonates in relation to maternal status.

The serum of twenty Egyptian pregnancies and their neonates was analysed for vitamin A and carotene contents. The serum levels of vitamin A among the neonates were significantly lower (P less than 0.05) compared to corresponding levels obtained with their mothers. 60% of the neonates proved to be deficient in vitamin A status. Statistically significant correlation coefficients were found between maternal body weights at labour and respective birth weights of the neonates. Significant correlation coefficients were also found between maternal serum vitamin A and carotene levels and respective cord serum vitamin A and carotene contents. The birth weight of the neonate correlates also with its serum vitamin A level. The results stress the importance of improving the vitamin A status of the marginally undernourished mothers to assure protection of the fetus.