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Variability of Vitamin A and Carotenoid Status Among Women of Childbearing Age
Author(s) -
Goodman Michael J,
Murtaugh Maureen A
Publication year - 2012
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.26.1_supplement.640.1
Subject(s) - zeaxanthin , lutein , retinyl palmitate , carotenoid , retinol , carotene , vitamin , medicine , physiology , endocrinology , biology , food science
Objective Animal models suggest vitamin A exposure at subteratogenic levels may contribute to behavioral problems in offspring. We aimed to determine whether serum levels of retinol retinyl palmitate and carotenoids were higher among potentially fertile supplement users. Methods 100 women completed a dietary history questionnaire. Blood samples were analyzed for retinyl palmitate, α‐carotene, β‐carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Pearson correlations between reported intake and serum levels were calculated, and serum levels were compared among supplement users and non‐users. Results Mean levels and IQR of retinols and carotenes were: retinyl palmitate 0.019 (0.10–0.20), vitamin A 0.54 (0.45–0.59), α‐carotene 77.15 (36.5–95.5), β‐carotene 228.34 (94.00–298.50), zeaxanthin 20.29 (12.00–26.50). 31 women took multi‐vitamins containing vitamin A (mean 4332 IU). Serum levels of retinol and carotenoids were highly variable. We observed elevated levels of retinol (n=1) α‐carotene (n=21) level, β‐carotene (n=14), and lutein (n=5). Serum β‐carotene was correlated with β‐carotene (mg/d) from supplements (r= 0.21, p = 0.03). Conclusion Vitamin A and carotenoid status of potentially fertile women was variable. Serum β‐carotene levels were associated with supplement use whereas retinol levels were not distinguishable between users and non‐users.