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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Pregnant women who have higher levels of vitamin E in their blood tend to have bigger babies, according to new research. Study authors report, however, it's not clear if pregnant women should take extra vitamin E.
Researchers from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Stratford followed 1,231 pregnant women and did blood tests at the start of the study and during the 28th week of pregnancy. Researchers measured the women's blood concentration of two forms of vitamin E.
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Study authors report one form of vitamin E -- alpha-tocopherol -- was related to fetal growth. This form is used in supplements. Researchers say birth weights were highest among the women with the highest levels of alpha-tocopherol. Study authors write vitamin E may affect birth size by increasing blood flow and nutrients to the fetus.
Researchers caution this does not mean pregnant women should take extra vitamin E. They report this connection could be simply a marker for other factors that promote healthy fetal development. They add a recent study even revealed large doses of vitamins C and E seemed to raise the risk of a low birth weight baby. More research on this association needs to be done before any recommendations can be made.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2006;84:1340-1343
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