Vitamin E: maternal concentrations are associated with fetal growth.

BACKGROUND

Few data exist on the effects of the 2 most abundant isomers of vitamin E (alpha- and gamma-tocopherols) on fetal growth.

OBJECTIVE

We measured maternal plasma concentrations of alpha- and gamma-tocopherols and examined their relation with measures of fetal growth. We also examined the relation, controlled for associated maternal factors, of diet and supplement use to tocopherol concentrations at week 28 of gestation.

DESIGN

A cohort of 1231 gravid women from Camden, NJ, was studied from entry to care (16.0 +/- 0.15 wk gestation); plasma tocopherol concentrations were measured at entry and at week 28.

RESULTS

Plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol at entry and at week 28 were positively related to increased fetal growth (birth weight for gestation), a decreased risk of small-for-gestational-age births, and an increased risk of large-for-gestational-age births. Concentration of alpha-tocopherol at week 28 was positively related to use of prenatal multivitamins and dietary intake of vitamin E; concentration of gamma-tocopherol was related positively to dietary fat intake and negatively to multivitamin use.

CONCLUSION

Early and late circulating concentrations of alpha-tocopherol are positively associated with fetal growth.