Nutrition during pregnancy Latvia eng

5.6.11   Vitamin  E  (tocopherol)  

Vitamin  E  is  an  antioxidant  that  ensures  the  formation  and  development  of  healthy  cells  in  the  

fetus   and   protects   pregnant   women   from   toxins.   Vitamin   E   enters   the   fetal   circulation   from  

maternal  blood  during  the  twelfth  week  of  pregnancy.  The  recommended  daily  amount  during  

pregnancy  is  15  mg.  Some  premature  newborns  may  have  a  deficit  of  vitamin  E,  although  this  is  

very  rare,  and  the  potential  toxicity  of  vitamin  E  during  pregnancy  is  a  more  frequent  concern,  

as  it  has  been  reported  that  intake  of  vitamin  E  above  recommended  levels  is  associated  with  

complications   during   delivery   and   a   risk   for   cardiovascular   disease   in   the   child.   Vitamin   E   is  

found   in   plant   oils   (olive,   sunflower   and   rapeseed),   wholegrain   products,   egg   yolk,   nuts   and  

seeds  (pumpkin,  sunflower,  sesame).