[Comparison between the serum concentration of alpha-tocopherol in puerperal women assisted in public and private maternities in Northeastern Brazil].

Purpose: To compare the concentration of serum alpha-tocopherol during the postpartum period in women admitted to public and private hospitals in Natal (RN), Brazil.

Methods: The study included 209 women in the postpartum period, 96 of them from private hospitals and 113 from public hospitals, studied between 24 and 48 hours postpartum. Inclusion criteria were: mothers aged 12 years or more, without diseases associated with pregnancy, who had given birth to a singleton with no malformations.

[Alpha-tocopherol level in serum and colostrum of breastfeeding women and association with maternal variables].

Purpose: To determine the nutritional status of vitamin E in breastfeeding women through the analysis of alpha-tocopherol concentration in serum and colostrum, to analyze its relation with maternal variables and to determine the prevalence of vitamin E deficiency in these women.

Methods: The study included 103 mothers who were classified according to maternal variables: age, nutritional status before pregnancy, gestational weight gain, parity and mode of delivery. Colostrum and serum samples were collected under fasting conditions in the immediate postpartum period.

Correlation of vitamin A nutritional status on alpha-tocopherol in the colostrum of lactating women.

The adequate supply of vitamins A and E to newborns is essential. However, factors such as maternal nutritional status and nutrient interaction may limit its bioavailability. The aim of this study was to establish nutritional status for vitamins A and E and evaluate the correlation of retinol on colostrum alpha-tocopherol in lactating women.

[Levels of alpha-tocopherol in maternal serum and colostrum of adolescents and adults].

Purpose: To assess the alpha-tocopherol concentration in the serum and colostrum of adolescent and adult mothers and to determine the nutritional adequacy of vitamin E in the colostrum offered to infants.

Methods: In total, 72 pregnant women participated in the study, 25 adolescents and 47 adults. An amount of 5 mL of blood and 2 mL of colostrum were collected under fasting conditions for the analysis of alpha-tocopherol levels.

Vitamin A and gestational diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) a pathology with chronic evolution, has now acquired a connotation of global epidemic. Gestational diabetes, a condition associated with insulin resistance and decreased beta-cells function is also characterized by a high incidence in different populations and ethnic groups. Recently strong evidence has been found for involvement of retinol levels of pregnant women with DM due to the pathology's evolution.