Factors influencing plasma ascorbic acid levels of pregnant women. I. Predicting second and third trimester levels
Mason, M.; Rivers, J.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 56(4): 313-320
1970
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 5442817 Document Number: 23300
Of 37 pregnant women who were studied for about 4 months 18 received instruction on the selection of foods containing ascorbic acid. Measurements were made of 17 independent variables thought to be related to intake of ascorbic acid and its biological reflection in the plasma of pregnant women. Multiple regression analyses of the data, using mean plasma values as the dependent variable, gave 18 equations which allow prediction of the average level of plasma total ascorbic acid in the last half of pregnancy. Each equation containing 11 or more variables permits a moderately low estimated standard error, 0 16 mg per 100 ml or less. One equation had the advantage of containing the least number of variables, another had the lowest estimated error value while another permitted a compromise between the two features. Any of the 3 will allow a reasonable prediction of the average total ascorbic acid level of the plasma from the 17th to the 35th week of pregnancy.