Deficiency of vitamins C and E in women of childbearing age in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis
São Paulo med. j
;
139(6): 545-555, Nov.-Dec. 2021. tab, graf
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-1352291
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND:
Despite the several options available for supplements containing vitamins C and E, evidence regarding the prevalence of deficiency or insufficiency of these vitamins is weak.OBJECTIVES:
To estimate the prevalence of deficiency or insufficiency of vitamins C and E and associated factors among women of childbearing age, in Brazil. DESIGN ANDSETTING:
Systematic review and meta-analysis conducted at a Brazilian public university.METHODS:
A search from index inception until May 2020 was conducted. Meta-analyses were performed using inverse variance for fixed models, with summary proportions calculation using Freeman-Tukey double arcsine (base case). Reporting and methodological quality were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for prevalence studies.RESULTS:
Our review identified 12 studies, comprising 1,316 participants, especially breastfeeding women. There was at least one quality weakness in all studies, mainly regarding sampling method (i.e. convenience sampling) and small sample size. The prevalence of vitamin C deficiency ranged from 0% to 40%. Only vitamin E deficiency was synthetized in meta-analyses, with mean prevalences of 6% regardless of the alpha-tocopherol cutoff in plasma, and 5% and 16% for cutoffs of < 1.6-12.0 mmol/l and < 16.2 mmol/l, respectively. The cumulative meta-analysis suggested that a trend to lower prevalence of vitamin E deficiency occurred in recent studies.CONCLUSIONS:
Although the studies identified in this systematic review had poor methodological and reporting quality, mild-moderate vitamin C and E deficiencies were identified, especially in breastfeeding women. Thus, designing and implementing policies does not seem to be a priority, because the need has not been properly dimensioned among women of childbearing age in Brazil. REGISTRATION NUMBER IN PROSPERO CRD42020221605.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Ascorbic Acid
/
Vitamins
Type of study:
Prevalence study
/
Prognostic study
/
Risk factors
/
Systematic reviews
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
South America
/
Brazil
Language:
English
Journal:
São Paulo med. j
Journal subject:
Cirurgia Geral
/
Cincia
/
Ginecologia
/
Medicine
/
Medicina Interna
/
Obstetr¡cia
/
Pediatria
/
Sa£de Mental
/
Sa£de P£blica
Year:
2021
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
/
Portugal
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidade Estadual Paulista/BR
/
Universidade de Araraquara/BR
/
Universidade de São Paulo/BR
/
Universidade do Porto/PT
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