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Abstract
Vitamin E protects cell membranes from oxidative damage, and vitamin C helps regenerate vitamin E, enhancing its antioxidant effect. Smoking increases oxidative stress, raising vitamin E requirements and potentially impacting neonatal pulmonary health. This sub-study of a larger trial at OHSU examined whether higher maternal vitamin C intake improves vitamin E status in pregnant smokers compared to non-smokers. Plasma vitamin E and its metabolite (CEHC) were measured in maternal and cord blood samples using HPLC. Findings will clarify relationships between smoking, antioxidant intake, and vitamin E concentrations, informing strategies to reduce pulmonary risks in neonates of smokers.