Effect of parturition on levels of vitamins A and E and of beta-carotene in plasma and milk of mares.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate in mares the effect of parturition on plasma and milk levels of retinol, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol over 12 weeks around parturition. In blood plasma of horses around parturition an increase of all these components was observed. This increase was most impressive in beta-carotene (P<0.05) and less pronounced for vitamin E, vitamin A and cholesterol. The magnitude of increase around parturition corresponded well with the magnitude of accumulation in colostrum; levels of beta-carotene in colostrum were 65 times higher compared to mature milk while vitamin A, vitamin E and cholesterol were only 3 to 8 times higher. Beta-carotene concentrations in colostrum were positively correlated with corresponding plasma levels (r = 0.9; P<0.001). Reasons for the increase in plasma beta-carotene around parturition may include an improved absorption of carotene and/or reduced conversion into vitamin A as well as mobilisation from tissue storages or a reduced uptake in tissues other than the mammary gland. In conclusion, the results may point to possible component- and species-specific differences involved in the transfer of fat-soluble vitamins, beta-carotene and cholesterol from blood plasma into colostrum.
Publication Date: 1999-08-24 PubMed ID: 10454091DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03824.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The study aims to analyze the effect of childbirth (parturition) on the levels of vitamins A, E, and beta-carotene in the plasma and milk of mares (female horses) around the time of giving birth. The study found an increase in these components around childbirth, particularly in beta-carotene, indicated by both plasma and colostrum (first form of milk produced after childbirth) levels.
Study Design and Methodology
- The study was conducted to examine the effect of childbirth on plasma and milk levels of certain vitamins and cholesterol in mares.
- Particular focus was given to retinol (vitamin A), beta-carotene (a pigment in plants and fruits that gets converted to vitamin A in the body), alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), and cholesterol.
- The investigation was carried out over a period of 12 weeks around the time of parturition.
Results and Findings
- During the parturition period, an increase in these components was observed in the blood plasma of the horses.
- This rise was most prominent in beta-carotene levels, and less noticeable in vitamins A and E, and cholesterol.
- The degree of the increase in these components around childbirth was consistent with the accumulation seen in the colostrum.
- Levels of beta-carotene in colostrum were 65 times higher when compared to mature milk, while vitamins A and E, and cholesterol levels were 3 to 8 times higher.
- There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.9) between beta-carotene concentrations in colostrum and corresponding plasma levels.
Potential Explanations and Conclusions
- The rise in plasma beta-carotene around parturition could be due to improved absorption of carotene, reduced conversion into vitamin A, mobilization from tissue reserves, or decreased uptake in tissues other than the mammary gland.
- Overall, the study’s findings suggest that there might be component- and species-specific differences in the transfer of fat-soluble vitamins, beta-carotene, and cholesterol from blood plasma to colostrum.
Cite This Article
APA
Schweigert FJ, Gottwald C.
(1999).
Effect of parturition on levels of vitamins A and E and of beta-carotene in plasma and milk of mares.
Equine Vet J, 31(4), 319-323.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03824.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Bergholz-Rehbrücke, Germany.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cholesterol / blood
- Cholesterol / metabolism
- Colostrum / chemistry
- Female
- Horses / blood
- Horses / metabolism
- Labor, Obstetric / blood
- Labor, Obstetric / metabolism
- Male
- Milk / chemistry
- Pregnancy
- Reference Values
- Vitamin A / blood
- Vitamin A / metabolism
- Vitamin E / blood
- Vitamin E / metabolism
- beta Carotene / blood
- beta Carotene / metabolism
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Y de Vries J, Pundir S, Mckenzie E, Keijer J, Kussmann M. Maternal Circulating Vitamin Status and Colostrum Vitamin Composition in Healthy Lactating Women-A Systematic Approach.. Nutrients 2018 May 28;10(6).
- Finno CJ, Estell KE, Katzman S, Winfield L, Rendahl A, Textor J, Bannasch DL, Puschner B. Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid α-Tocopherol and Selenium Concentrations in Neonatal Foals with Neuroaxonal Dystrophy.. J Vet Intern Med 2015 Nov-Dec;29(6):1667-75.
- Trombetta MF, Accorsi PA, Falaschini A. Effect of β-carotene Supplementation on Italian Trotter Mare Peripartum.. J Equine Sci 2010;21(1):1-6.
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