Page 24 - Spring2020
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Gestational and a predisposition to respiratory diseases. Hu- A is essential for reproduction, and deficiencies
vitamin A man lung development starts in the fifth week and excesses may result in embryonic loss
of gestation and continues during the first few and/or congenital defects. Retinoids [vitamin
deficiency years. A] are recognized as important regulators of
in animals In the gut, vitamin A deficiency during vertebrate development, cell differentiation and
reduces the gestation results in the production of fewer villi, tissue function. Previous studies, performed
which can presage digestive problems through-
both in vivo and in vitro, indicate that retinoids
beta cell out life. influence several reproductive events, including
mass of the Embryonic vitamin A deficiency causes follicular development, oocyte maturation and
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offspring. The “grossly thinned ventricular wall with concur- early embryonic development.”
rent defects in ventricular septation [in hearts of
“The question about the safety of vitamin
beta cells are newborn mice].” The prevalence of this type A use in pregnancy remains a complex and
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where we of defect is increasing—today afflicting about 1 unresolved issue, even though it is recognized
make insulin. percent of all babies. It often requires surgery to that vitamin A plays an important role in normal
correct the ventricular septal defect—basically embryonic growth and development.”
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a hole in the heart. The other thing that you see “Of particular concern are [pregnant
is premature babies having bronchopulmonary women] in the latter half of pregnancy when
dysplasia, where the lungs don’t work well and nutritional demands are high…and the risk of
the baby needs oxygen. This also is associated developing night blindness and other adverse
with vitamin A deficiency. health outcomes is greatest. . .”
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After birth, babies must get vitamin A from Liver is an ideal food for pregnant women.
breastmilk as they are generally born with low No birth defects have been reported with higher
liver stores. Colostrum will be rich in vitamin A intakes of vitamin A from food sources. It is
only if the mother has good intake. The mom’s really important to know that there has never
colostrum is supposed to be a rich shot of nu- been a report of fetal malformation or birth
trients, and it is supposed to be full of vitamin defect from a woman eating liver. Now with that
A. If that mom doesn’t have it then neither does said, I wouldn’t encourage women to eat liver
the colostrum. daily but only once a week. Four to six ounces is
After weaning, the infant is at greater risk plenty. Vitamin A from liver produces a smaller
of vitamin A deficiency. If the baby is born to a and delayed rise in serum retinol levels versus
mother with low vitamin A, then it is only going vitamin A from retinyl esters. 27
to get worse. Unfortunately, we don’t know how For women who refuse to eat liver or other
this will affect the baby. We do know that the vitamin A-rich foods, the evidence suggests
secretory IgA in the gut needs vitamin A. that a low-dose vitamin A supplement may be
They used to give mothers in developing protective against birth defects. An intake of
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countries 200,000 IU of vitamin A right after 2,500-5,000 IU per day will support a healthy
birth, but they no longer do that. Supplementa- pregnancy in a woman who has been following
tion of lactating women with β-carotene has an overall nourishing diet prior to conception. 29
relatively little effect on breastmilk vitamin A Women need vitamin A early in pregnancy, not
content. In infants of mothers supplemented with just toward the end, when they are getting ready
200,000 IU true vitamin A after birth, there was to lactate.
a significantly lower incidence of respiratory Vitamin A and D together are best; the
tract infections and fever. combination is more effective at supporting
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Vitamin A deficiency can lead to complete robust immunity and reduces any potential tox-
lactation failure in animals. Could this be a rea- icity of either one at higher intakes. In addition,
son why some mothers are not able to produce vitamin K (from food) enhances the protective
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enough or any milk? actions of A and D.
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In spite of the Rothman study, a number of
researchers have expressed concern about vita- WIDESPREAD DEFICIENCY
min A deficiency in pregnant women. “Vitamin In my practice I work with regular people,
24 Wise Traditions SPRING 2020