Vitamin E and C in preeclampsia.

Vascular endothelial damage has been implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Lipid peroxidation may be involved in the process and essential nutrients that can scavenge free radicals, such as vitamin E and C, operate in concert. Antioxidant vitamins E and C were estimated in 30 preeclamptic and 30 normotensive pregnant women. Significantly lowered levels of vitamins E and C were observed in preeclamptic women as compared to controls (P<0.001 and P<0.05 respectively). In patients with preeclampsia antioxidant nutrients may be utilized to a greater extent to counteract free radical-mediated cell disturbances, resulting in a reduction in serum antioxidant levels.