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Selection of Food and Vitamins during Pregnancy to Prevent Hypervitaminosis A and Congenital Defects
Author(s) -
Raja Dewan Saiful,
Sultana Bahar
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.lb396
Subject(s) - pregnancy , hypervitaminosis a , vitamin , medicine , acne , retinol , physiology , fetus , vitamin e , vitamin a deficiency , endocrinology , biology , antioxidant , dermatology , biochemistry , genetics
A pregnant woman consumes a variety of food. Pregnancy is a critical period of life. Pregnant women need more than a person does on the average diet. Vitamin A is essential for growth of the developing embryo and fetus. Supplementing with certain vitamins can prevent congenital defects. On the other hand, excessive consumption of certain vitamins may cause congenital defects. Vitamin A is a potential teratogen. Method Multiple literatures from Web sites and textbooks are explored, and the information is summarized. Discussion Vitamin‐rich and nutritious food are expected by pregnant women. There are multiple sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A derivatives are sometimes used to treat acne. Acne is common among young women. Many women do not know the source of vitamin A in their food. Vitamin and food supplement is a fashion among rich and educated pregnant women. Certain groups of pregnant women used to take previtamin A‐rich–food like liver without knowing the consequences of vitamin‐A–related congenital defects. Conclusions It is advised to avoid vitamin A–rich previtamin food like liver and cod‐liver oil to prevent possible congenital defects. Vitamin A–derivative like Accutane is contraindicated during pregnancy.