Plasma tocopherol and lipid levels in pregnancy and oral contraceptive users.

Plasma tocopherol (vitamin E), cholesterol and triglycerides were estimated to normal non pregnant women and in women throughout pregnancy. All three constituents were increased in the later stages of pregnancy. There was a significant statistical correlation between tocopherol and cholesterol levels, but not between the vitamin and triglycerides. The data suggest that the increase in tocopherol may be associated with a corresponding increase in cholesterol since both are known to share a common transport system, but the association was evident only during pregnancy. Compared to controls, plasma vitamin E levels were not altered in pre-eclampsia nor in oral contraceptive users.