Carotenoids in Women and Infant Health

Reproduction process increases nutritional demands of mother. Oxidative stress in this stage is escalated and body immunity is compromised due to division of dietary assets with developing offspring. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, 2 additional carotenoid utilization organs and resources involved are breast milk and placenta. Epidemiological and intervention studies suggest that carotenoids supplementation exerts positive effects on health of newborn and pregnant women. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of carotenoids are responsible for these effects. Carotenoids prevent intrauterine growth inhibition and preterm birth. Carotenoids levels in newborn depends upon their status in mother. Carotenoids level in breast milk can be assessed from mother’s diet. Artificial feeding and mix feeding can deplete carotenoids since infant formulas and supplements contain only traces of carotenoids.