How Important Is Maternal Serum Zinc Level and Supplementation?

Introduction: Zinc is found in metalloenzymes and is an important trace element for fetal and maternal health. Its deficiency may cause pregnancy complications. The prevalence of zinc deficiency also differs due to different food sources. Our aim in conducting this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum zinc levels and pregnancy complications in our pregnant population. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted on 201 patients. Serum zinc levels obtained for various reasons during pregnancy were evaluated. The relationship between the pregnancy complications that occur in patients and the zinc levels was examined. In addition, the effects of zinc-containing vitamin supplementation on serum zinc levels were also checked. The primary endpoint of the study was to evaluate the relationship between serum zinc levels and pregnancy complications. The secondary endpoint was to investigate the effects of supplemental vitamins on serum zinc levels and pregnancy complications according to trimesters. Results: According to trimesters, the mean zinc values were 72 mg/dL, 66.1 mg/dL, and 63 mg/dL, respectively. It was observed that the rate of zinc deficiency increased as the gestational week progressed. Among the patients, 49.7% did not take any vitamin supplements containing zinc, and 50.3% took supplements. The zinc level was found to be higher in patients who took zinc-containing vitamin supplements than in patients who did not take any supplements. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in terms of zinc levels between patients who received and did not take supplements only in the third trimester (p=0.003). Pregnancy complications were recorded: abortion in 7 patients (3.4%), intrauterine growth retardation in 10 patients (5.1%), preterm delivery in 12 patients (6.1%), preeclampsia in 17 patients (8.7%), oligohydramnios in 17 patients (8.7%), and gestational diabetes mellitus developed in 16 (8.2%) patients. A statistically significant correlation was observed only between oligohydramnios and second trimester zinc level (p=0.035). Discussion and Conclusion: Zinc deficiency, which increases with the advancing gestational week, improves significantly with zinc supplementation, especially in the last trimester. Despite the significant relationship between the second trimester zinc level and oligohydramnios, zinc supplementation does not seem to have a significant effect on pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]