Zinc plus β-carotene supplementation of pregnant women is superior to β-carotene supplementation alone in improving vitamin A status in both mothers and infants

Background:DeficienciesofvitaminA,iron,andzincareprevalent in women and infants in developing countries. Supplementation during pregnancy can benefit mother and infant. Objective: We examined whether supplementation during pregnancy with iron and fol... show more

Background:DeficienciesofvitaminA,iron,andzincareprevalent in women and infants in developing countries. Supplementation during pregnancy can benefit mother and infant. Objective: We examined whether supplementation during pregnancy with iron and folic acid plus -carotene or zinc or both improves the micronutrient status of mothers and infants postpartum. Design: Pregnant women (n 170) were supplemented daily only duringpregnancywith-carotene(4.5mg),zinc(30mg),orbothor placebo plus iron (30 mg) and folic acid (0.4 mg) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Micronutrient status was assessed 1 and 6 mo postpartum. Results: Six months postpartum, plasma retinol concentrations were higher in the women who received zinc during pregnancy than in women who did not. Infants born to mothers supplemented with show less