Effects of socio demographic factors on plasma ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol anti oxidants during pregnancy

ABSTRACT

To assess the plasma levels of vitamins C and E at the various stages of pregnancy and to correlate their plasma levels with the socio-demographic factors of pregnant Nigerians. The pregnant cases [n=180] were randomly selected according to gestational ages. And the controls [n=20] were non-pregnant women of the same age. Plasma levels of both vitamins were assayed with well established laboratory methods. The mean plasma vitamins C and E in the pregnant cases was lower [by 17-23%] than controls across the three trimesters, p<0.0001. The correlation of vitamin C versus maternal age was significant; r=- 0.59, p<0.05; the mean plasma level of vitamin C declined by 57% as the maternal age increases from 22-37 years. The mean plasma Ascorbic acid and Alpha-tocopherol are reduced during pregnancy and socio-demographic factors have mild effects on the plasma levels of these vitamins