Evaluation of the vitamin status in pregnancy. Circulating blood levels and enzyme activation in a group of Dutch parturient women and their full term newborns.

Blood levels of vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12 and folic acid were measured in a group of 37 Dutch parturient women and their full term newborns. For the evaluation of the vitamin B1, B2 and B6 status also transketolase-, glutathion reductase- and transaminase activities with their respective activation ratios were measured. In the circulation of the newborn blood levels and enzyme activities were found 1.5-2.0 times higher compared with those of the mother. Interpretation of the data obtained from the mothers using criteria coming from a group of healthy adult blood donors, revealed a relatively high incidence of marginal vitamin status, especially for vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. By means of the enzyme activation tests even higher percentages of cases were found within the marginal or deficient range. The actual extent of vitamin deficiency in pregnancy could not be estimated, however, secondary effects seem to be involved affecting both vitamin blood levels and enzyme activities.