Relationship between maternal serum vitamin A and vitamin A status of the corresponding fetuses

A clinical study assessed the levels of serum vitamin A, carotene, and prealbumin in 65 adequately nourished and poorly nourished mothers and their corresponding fetuses, and of vitamin A in the livers of these fetuses. Fetal levels were about 50% those of mothers, and fetal storage in fetuses of poorly nourished mothers was markedly less than in fetuses of adequately nourished mothers. Fetal storage of vitamin A from 13-24 weeks gestation was low and roughly comparable; however, fetal liver vitamin A levels rose rapidly during 25-32 weeks gestation.(wz)