Ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione concentration of human fetal tissues in relation to gestational age, fetal size and maternal nutritional status.

Studies were carried out on ascorbic acid and glutathione concentration in human fetal tissues with the progress of gestation. The glutathione concentration in human fetal liver and adrenal showed a decline during late gestation, the decline in the brain being earlier. This is consistent with the fall in ascorbic acid concentration in all tissues during late gestation. Glutathione concentration and glutathione/ascorbic acid ratio was significantly lower in the low income group than the high income group, confirming previous observations that state of nutrition may influence cellular glutathione.