Research published in Early Human Development (Volume 85, Issue 7, July 2009, Pages 421–427) examined the relationship between antioxidant vitamin levels in newborns and early childhood development. Researchers measured vitamins A, C, and E in maternal blood and in umbilical cord blood at the time of delivery in 150 mother–infant pairs. When the children reached two years of age, development was assessed using the Gesell Developmental Schedules.
Children who had higher vitamin E levels at birth demonstrated better motor development, as well as improved language and social skills. Higher vitamin A levels were also associated with better motor development.
Oxidative damage from lipid peroxidation has been linked to a number of neonatal complications and is particularly problematic in premature infants. Research published in the Archives of Medical Research (Volume 33, Issue 3, May–June 2002, Pages 276–280) found that preterm infants have significantly lower levels of vitamins A and E compared to full-term infants.
