Research progress of effect of carotenoids on maternal and child health / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Early life nutrition plays an important role in determining the pregnancy outcomes and offspring lifelong health. Carotenoids deficiency is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, premature delivery and intrauterine growth restriction. Carotenoids possess antioxidant, inflammation modulating and immune-enhancing properties and promote visual, cognitive and respiratory health in offsprings. Among carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin can be transformed into vitamin A in vivo, and their conversion rates are affected by the nutritional status of vitamin A. Lutein and zeaxanthin are highly enriched in the brain and retina of infants and young children, which are closely related to the development of visual acuity and cognitive function. Breast milk contains an adequate level of lutein and its absorption rate is significantly higher than that of infant formulas. Consequently lutein supplementation is necessary for artificially fed infants, especially premature infants. In this paper, the functional research progresses of carotenoids related to adverse pregnancy outcomes and offspring development, as well as the present situation of carotenoids supplementation in formula were reviewed.