Association of selenium, zinc and copper concentrations during pregnancy with birth weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Effect of maternal and infant selenium status on child growth in a birth cohort from Dhaka, Bangladesh

“…In a recent review of studies conducted across a variety of different geographies, results of the association between selenium and birth and growth outcomes have been mixed, although overall associations have suggested a positive and protective effect of this micronutrient (pooled correlation coefficient between VC blood Se and birth weight; r: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.16 and maternal blood Se and birth weight; r: 0.02 (−0.01-0.05) on birth weight). 6 In our study, we found a strong negative association between whole blood Se in venous cord blood and birth weight (β: - 2.3, 95% CI: -3.7 to -0.98, p-value: 0.001); however, the association between SEPP1 in venous cord and birth weight ran in the opposite direction (β: 0.04, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.1, p-value: 0.1). Our findings negate our hypothesis that SEPP1 may mediate the association between venous cord WBSe and weight related outcomes (birth weight, WAZ at birth and at 1-year of age).…”

“…6 Other studies have demonstrated significant relationships between low birth weight (LBW) and lower selenium concentrations. 6 Mechanisms for the associations between birth weight and selenium remain unclear; however its antioxidant All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission.…”

“…9 A recent meta-analysis found that umbilical cord blood selenium concentrations (r: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.16) are correlated with birth weight; although similar results were not observed for associations between maternal blood selenium and birthweight. 6 Other studies have demonstrated significant relationships between low birth weight (LBW) and lower selenium concentrations. 6 Mechanisms for the associations between birth weight and selenium remain unclear; however its antioxidant properties play an important role in placental development and oxidative balance.…”

“…5 Due to adaptive changes in selenium metabolism that occur during pregnancy, requirements are higher due to its role in fetal growth, which manifests as lower maternal concentrations of blood selenium. 6 Concentrations of this trace element are known to fall during pregnancy, with lowest levels observed at delivery. [7][8] Levels are lower because of increased fetal demands and alterations in intestinal absorption or renal handling.…”

“…18 Studies have examined associations between selenium levels in mother-infant dyads and growth outcomes at birth and in the postnatal period. 6,9,19 Given the mixed body of evidence on the association of selenium with birth weight and infant growth outcomes, we sought to understand whether selenium status measured in maternal and infant whole blood (WBSe), serum (serum Se) and a biomarker of functional status, selenoprotein P (SEPP1), at delivery and in venous cord blood are correlated with infant birth weight, growth outcomes (length-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length and head circumference-for-age z-scores) at birth, in infancy, and up to 2 years of age. Our study will add to a growing body of evidence on the role selenium may play in in utero and postnatal infant growth and development.…”