Erythrocyte Transketolase Activity and Thiamine Transfer across Human Placenta

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Abstract
Simultaneous determinations of erythrocyte transketolase activity (TKA) in maternal and fetal bloods in 33 women belonging to a low socioeconomic group were done. In 23 of these subjects urinary thiamine-excretion levels (µg/g creatinine) (UT) were carried out. The TKA values in fetal bloods were significantly higher than those in maternal blood and at the same time fetal TKA levels were found to be proportional to the maternal levels. Fifty-two percent of the women were found to be deficient as judged from TKA and UT levels. The importance of thiamine deficiency in pregnant women is discussed.