Zinc and IGF-I concentrations in pregnant women with anemia before and after supplementation with iron and/or zinc.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to investigate zinc (Zn) status and effects of Zn supplementation in relation to insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women. The role of Zn and IGF-I in hematologic abnormalities has remained unclear.

METHODS

Thirty-eight Japanese women, when examined at the second trimester of pregnancy, had hemoglobin concentrations below 11.0 g/dL and 32 of 38 had normocytic erythrocytes. These 38 women were divided into three groups, and we compared the hematological status and serum IGF-I levels before and after iron (Group A) or Zn (Group B) or iron plus Zn (Group C) supplementation.

RESULTS

The concentrations of hemoglobin (Hb) did not change in groups A and B. In group C, Hb levels were significantly increased from 10.3+/-0.3 to 11.0+/-0.6 g/dL. Furthermore, numbers of RBC and reticulocytes also increased significantly. Concentrations of iron, IGF-I and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were increased, and concentrations of erythropoietin were decreased, but not statistically. There were significant positive correlations between increases in IGF-I and increases in Hb and RBC in the Zn administered groups.

CONCLUSION

Zn status to some extent can account for hematological abnormalities in pregnant women. Zn derived IGF-I has a role in the regulation of hematopoiesis in pregnant women.