Abstract
Objective: To elucidate the role of vitamin A during pregnancy and consequences of its deficiency. Results: Vitamin A is a group of compounds, which include retinoids of animal origin (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid) and carotenoids of vegetable origin. In the fetal period, retinoic acid is required for cellular differentiation, fetal growth, morphogenesis, maturation of multiple body systems and integrity of respiratory, digestive and urogenital epithelial cells. Retinol acts as component of visual pigments in the retina, making it indispensable for the development of vision. Studies demonstrate the role of vitamin A in prophylaxis of puerperal infection, leading to 78% reduction of morbidity risk. During gestational phase, vitamin A deficiency is more common to occur in the third trimester, due to accelerated fetal growth. The consequences of vitamin A deficiency include xerophthalmia, congenital malformation, and increased risk of maternal mortality. Due to high prevalence of hypovitaminosis A, several nutritional strategies are recommended, such as diet diversification, supplementation and conventional food fortification. Conclusion: Vitamin A deficiency causes damage to the health of the mother and fetus, due to the specific functions and essences that it performs in this period. Thus, nutritional strategies are necessary to ensure optimal vitamin A intake.