Abstract:
Aims: Antioxidants are important in maintaining cellular function in normal pregnancy and are
needed for mitigating the effects of oxidative stress. However, there is paucity of information on the
importance of antioxidants in pregnant adolescents. This study was therefore aimed at assessing
maternal antioxidant micronutrient status and its impact on pregnancy outcomes in Ghanaian
pregnant adolescents.
Study Design: Prospective Cohort study.
Place and Duration of Study: Mampong and Suntreso Government hospitals in the Ashanti
Region of Ghana between March and November 2014.
Methodology: We included 100 pregnant adolescents aged 11 to 19 years. Two 24 hr recall
sessions were used to assess dietary antioxidant micronutrient (Vitamin A, E, C, Zinc and
Selenium) intakes of study participants. Biochemical status was assessed by measurement of
serum Vitamin A, zinc and selenium using standardized methods. Pregnancy outcomes were
obtained from hospital records after parturition.
