Is there a connection between maternal zinc deficiency and congenital malformations of the central nervous system in man?

Current status of zinc in health and disease states.

“…The one abortion and the 2 congenital abnormalities reported in the 7 recorded pregnancies of 3 women with AE suggest that similar effects may apply to the pregnant human (Hambidge et al, 1975). It has been speculated that the high incidence of anencephaly in some Middle Eastern countries may be the result of environmental zinc deficiency (Sever and Emanuel, 1973). Serum zinc levels in women having abnormal deliveries or low birthweight or preterm infants were lower than in women not experiencing such abnormalities (Jameson, 1976).…”

Nutrition and Pregnancy

“…It has been postulated that the incidence of malformations of the central nervous system is higher in areas where zinc deficiency is prevalent (Sever and Emanuel, 1973).…”

Zinc and reproduction: effects of zinc deficiency on prenatal and early postnatal development

“…One year later, Hurley (Hurley, 1974) speculated that a condition of zinc deficiency during pregnancy in humans could arise through multiple means including the consumption of low amounts of zinc in the diet, the consumption of diets that contained factors that inhibited the uptake of zinc, and diverse genetic factors. Interestingly, Sever and Emanuel Sever and Emanuel, 1973) as well as Hurley (Hurley, 1974) also speculated that intergenerational effects of nutritional deficiencies, including zinc deficiency, might contribute to a high frequency of birth defects, particularly CNS defects, in select populations. As is reviewed below, the teratogenicity of zinc deficiency in humans is now well established.…”