Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences

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ISSN 1681-715X

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Volume 25

October - December 2009 (Part-I)

Number  5


 

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

Idogun E Sylvester1, Aikoriogie Paul2

ABSTRACT

Objectives: 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.

Methodology: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: 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.

KEY WORDS: Antioxidants, Vitamins C and E, Pregnancy, Socio-demographic factors.

Pak J Med Sci    October - December 2009 (Part-I)    Vol. 25 No. 5    755-759

How to cite this article:

Sylvester IE, Paul A. Effects of Socio demographic factors on plasma ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol anti oxidants during pregnancy. Pak J Med Sci 2009;25(5):755-759.


1. Dr. Idogun E. Sylvester, MB.CHB., MSC., MPH, Fmc Path,
2. Aikoriogie paul, BMLS, MSC,
1,2: Department of Chemical Pathology,
University of Benin Teaching Hospital,
Benin City, Nigeria.

Correspondence

Dr. Idogun E. Sylvester
Department of Chemical Pathology
University of teaching Hospital
P.M.B 1111, Benin City,
Nigeria.
E-mail: Sylvesteridogun@yahoo.co.uk 

* Received for Publication: March 16, 2009

* Revision Received: July 20, 2009

* Accepted: July 24,2009



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