Status of some selected antioxidants in pregnant Nigerian women

Abstract

It has been a known fact that normal pregnancy is associated with high metabolic demand accompany by elevated tissue oxygen requirements and increased oxidative stress. The question is, does this suggest that during pregnancy the antioxidant defense mechanism is defenseless? This study therefore investigated the status of some selected antioxidants in pregnant Nigerian women. The study comprised of 200 apparently healthy Nigerian women between the ages of 20 and 40, among which 180 were pregnant (test group) and 20 were non pregnant (control group). Test group was divided into three subgroups which comprised of 60 each representing the three trimesters of pregnancy.  Whole blood was collected from each subject and the selected antioxidants (Catalase, Vitamin C and Vitamin E) levels were analyzed using standard laboratory method. Results showed overall reduction in antioxidants concentration which is not significant in Catalase but significant in Vitamin C and E. Also, this reduction was observed to be more with advancing age, gestation period, increasing parity and amongst civil servants. Conclusively, pregnancy appears to impinge on the balance between the formation of oxidants and the antioxidant defense mechanism. It is therefore recommended that during pregnancy, women should improve on their antioxidants intake.