Vitamin A is recognized as an essential trace element in phases of intense growth and development such as pregnancy and childhood. The influence of this trace element is recognized in different metabolic processes and is currently emphasized as an anti-oxidant. Pro-vitamin forms (carotenoids) are outstanding. Anti-oxidant action is very valuable at birth for this is a period of intense free radical production by newborns caused by exposure to high oxygen concentrations. Placental transference of these nutrients occurs predominantly during the last trimester of pregnancy and is dependent on maternal serum concentration. Premature newborns are more vulnerable to the consequences of this stress due to low reserves and immaturity of the other anti-oxidant systems. Controversies remain related to the beneficial effect of supplementation. Therefore, prenatal nutrition education plays a crucial role in Vitamin A deficiency prevention and related consequences. This review intends to gather literature related to the issue published between 1990 and 2003 and referred by the MEDLINE and LILAC databases.
Vitamin A; Carotenoids; Infant; newborn; Prematurity; Oxidative stress
