Journals Information
Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 13(5), pp. 1273 - 1281
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130519
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The Effects of Maternal Iron and Vitamin A Deficiency on Infant Birth Size in Makassar, Indonesia
Nasaruddin Nawir 1,2,*, Ansariadi 3,4, Veni Hadju 5, Deviana Soraya Riu 6, Citra Kesumasari 5, Wahiduddin 3, Masyitha Muis 7, Eri Wijaya 8
1 Doctoral Program in Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
2 Faculty of Medicine, Mega Buana University Palopo, Indonesia
3 Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
4 Center for Epidemiology and Population Health Studies, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
5 Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
6 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
7 Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
8 Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Low birth weight (LBW) and short birth length (SBL) remain significant health challenges in developing countries, including Indonesia. Maternal micronutrient status, particularly iron and vitamin A, plays a crucial role in fetal growth. This study examined the association between maternal soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels with infant birth weight and length. A prospective cohort study was conducted in a slum area of Makassar City, involving 170 pregnant women in their second trimester. Data were collected through interviews, anthropometric measurements, and blood sampling, with biomarker analysis conducted using the ELISA method. The mean birth weight and length were 2.98 kg and 47.87 cm, with LBW and SBL prevalence rates of 13.5% and 21.2%, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed no significant association between sTfR and either outcome (p > 0.05). In contrast, higher RBP levels were significantly associated with increased birth weight (p = 0.019) and length (p = 0.021). Logistic regression further indicated that higher RBP levels were linked to reduced odds of LBW (adjusted OR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.17鈥�0.88) and SBL (adjusted OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21鈥�0.95). sTfR remained non-significant in all models. However, ROC analysis showed low predictive value for both biomarkers (sTfR AUC < 0.4; RBP AUC < 0.6). These findings suggest maternal RBP as a potential biomarker for vitamin A status and fetal growth, while sTfR has limited utility. Comprehensive biomarker assessments may improve early detection of fetal growth disorders in high-risk populations.
KEYWORDS
Retinol Binding Protein, Soluble Transferrin Receptor, Birth Weight, Birth Length, Biomarkers, Maternal Nutrition
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Nasaruddin Nawir , Ansariadi , Veni Hadju , Deviana Soraya Riu , Citra Kesumasari , Wahiduddin , Masyitha Muis , Eri Wijaya , "The Effects of Maternal Iron and Vitamin A Deficiency on Infant Birth Size in Makassar, Indonesia," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 1273 - 1281, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130519.
(b). APA Format:
Nasaruddin Nawir , Ansariadi , Veni Hadju , Deviana Soraya Riu , Citra Kesumasari , Wahiduddin , Masyitha Muis , Eri Wijaya (2025). The Effects of Maternal Iron and Vitamin A Deficiency on Infant Birth Size in Makassar, Indonesia. Universal Journal of Public Health, 13(5), 1273 - 1281. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130519.