Background. Earlier studies demonstrated that alcoholism signifi cantly alters electrolyte and trace element homeostasis. However, the existing data on the interplay between maternal alcohol consumption and fetal trace element status are contradictory. Therefore, the primary objective of the present study was to assess the infl uence of alcohol consumption on maternal and cord blood trace elements. Material and methods. A total of 30 pregnant women (15 women consuming alcohol and 15 controls) were examined. Assessment of electrolyte and trace elements concentration in maternal (1 and 3 trimesters) and umbilical cord blood was performed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results. In the fi rst trimester of pregnancy alcohol consumption is associated with increased whole blood Ca and Na levels. In the third trimester of pregnancy, women consuming alcohol are characterized by signifi cantly increased Co levels. Conversely, the level of Co and Mn in the cord blood of off spring maternally exposed to ethanol is decreased. A signifi cant correlation between fi rst trimester blood and cord blood concentrations of K was revealed both in control women and those consuming alcohol. In the third trimester of pregnancy in the control women, a signifi cant correlation with cord blood was detected for Fe, Mg, P, and Pb. Oppositely, in the third trimester in women consuming alcohol we detected a close association between maternal whole blood and cord blood levels for Ca, Cd, and Pb. Conclusion. The data obtained demonstrate that maternal alcohol consumption results in fetal Co and Mn defi ciency.

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