Plasma Zinc Levels During Pregnancy and Its Relationship to Maternal and Neonatal Characteristics: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Forty consecutive healthy pregnant women aged 17-38 yr who attended the antenatal clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University in their first trimester participated in the study. The pregnant women were followed up longitudinally until the end of their pregnancy. Forty healthy age-matched nonpregnant women were used as a control group. Each pregnant woman was interviewed and a special questionnaire recording dietary history (3-d recall) and socioeconomic status (SES) was used. Birth weight, height, and head circumference of the newborn were measured and a complete physical examination was done for each neonate by the same observer. Blood samples were obtained at each trimester and zinc determinations were made using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results of plasma Zn measurements were available in 39 pregnant women. There were 23 women of low SES (mean plasma Zn level: 59.0 +/- 6.9 microg/dL) and 16 of high SES (mean plasma Zn: 70.3 +/- 5.2 microg/dL). The difference between the mean plasma Zn levels of these two groups was significant (p < 0.001). The nutritional status in our study appeared to be an important factor responsible for low plasma Zn levels during pregnancy. However, we did not find any correlation between plasma Zn levels and anthropometric parameters of the newborn and pregnancy outcome. Further studies using larger sample sizes are needed to clarify the role of plasma Zn levels on maternal features and fetal outcomes in Turkey.

Zinc status (plasma and hair zinc concentrations) during pregnancy: A longitudinal study

“…In conclusion, findings of this longitudinal study on plasma Zn levels were found to be similar to our previous cross-sectional and longitudinal studies [2,3,8]. Similar changes could not be observed for hair Zn concentrations probably as a result of the fact that all pregnant women were from Ankara rather than from villages, where the dietary habit is frequently associated with zinc deficiency [2,8].…”

“…It has been demonstrated by several experimental and human studies that Zn deficiency may result in adverse maternal and fetal consequences [1,4À6]. Our previous cross-sectional and longitudinal studies on serum or plasma Zn concentrations revealed low Zn levels, particularly in poorly nourished pregnant Turkish women [2,3,7,8]. Zn status of pregnant women has usually been assessed by measuring serum/plasma Zn or erythrocytes, leukocytes, and hair Zn concentrations [2,8,9].…”

Comparison of maternal characteristics in low birth weight and normal birth weight infants

“…The findings of Aydemir et al showed that there were significant differences between plasma zinc levels among mothers of different socioeconomic status. Moreover, they did not find any relationship between plasma zinc levels and infant anthropometric parameters [19]. Maternal nutritional needs increase during pregnancy.…”

Maternal Sociodemographic Parameters: Impact on Trace Element Status and Pregnancy Outcomes in Nigerian Women

“…Although it is increasingly acknowledged that societal factors play a significant role in micronutrient status and pregnancy outcomes (1, 3), studies on impacts of socioeconomic status on pregnancy outcomes have produced conflicting results (4, 5). For instance, the risk of preterm birth has been reported in mothers of low socioeconomic status (6).…”