Vitamin A inadequacy in socioeconomically disadvantaged pregnant Iowan women as assessed by the modified relative dose response (MRDR) test

• Published in: Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 1995-09, Vol.15 (9), p.1263-1276
• Main Authors: Duitsman, Pamela K., Cook, Laura R., Tanumihardjo, Sherry A., Olson, James A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Carotenoids; Delivery. Postpartum. Lactation; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Maternal, fetal and perinatal monitoring; Medical sciences; MRDR; Pregnant Women; Retinol; Vitamin A
• ISSN: 0271-5317; 1879-0739
• DOI: 10.1016/0271-5317(95)02002-D

The vitamin A status of low-income women (n = 57) during the third trimester of pregnancy was assessed by use of the modified relative dose response (MRDR) test. Non-Hispanic White (45), Hispanic (6), Afro-American (5), and Asian (1) women were recruited from public health programs in central Iowa. Serum retinol, β-carotene, α-carotene, lycopene, α-tocopherol, and cholesterol concentrations were also measured. Twenty six percent of the study population were found to be in a marginal vitamin A status with MRDR values ≥0.03, whereas 9% had values ≥0.06. The Hispanic and Afro-American groups seemed to be most at risk, with 50% and 40% (respectively) of the MRDR values ≥0.03 and 33% and 20% (respectively) ≥0.06. Carotenoid values were similar to those found in women in other like studies, except for the Afro-American group, which had mean values less than half those of the other groups. α-Tocopherol concentrations and α-tocopherol/cholesterol ratios of all ethnic groups fell in the normal range. The somewhat elevated cholesterol levels found in all groups can largely be attributed to pregnancy. Clearly, this study identifies a portion of the U.S. population at high risk of vitamin A inadequacy.