Maternal zinc indices and small babies.

BACKGROUND

Maternal zinc deficiency has been reported to be associated with foetal growth retardation. This study aimed to determine if zinc deficiency is associated with foetal growth retardation in south Indian women.

METHODS

A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the maternal zinc indices in those bearing small-for-gestational age babies and in those with appropriate-for-gestational age babies. Zinc levels in plasma, red blood cells and white blood cells in both groups were assayed in 65 patients with small-for-gestational age babies (regardless of cause) and 51 women with appropriate-for-gestational age babies.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the mean (SD) plasma [67.5 (9) v. 70.67 (13.9)], red blood cell [47.26 (5.8) v. 45.69 (8.2)] and white blood cell [55.61 (10.5) v. 54.77 (12.4)] zinc levels in mothers who gave birth to small-for-gestational age babies and those who delivered appropriate-for-gestational age babies. The presence of predisposing factors for intrauterine growth retardation also did not influence the maternal zinc levels.

CONCLUSION

Maternal zinc levels were not associated with intrauterine growth retardation in our population.