Maternal and cord blood serum levels of zinc, copper, and iron in healthy pregnant Jordanian women

Abstract

Altered plasma levels of zinc, copper, and iron during pregnancy are known to have profound effects on pregnant women and their neonates. The status of these elements is not known in pregnant women in Jordan. During the three trimesters of pregnancy, blood specimens were collected from 186 healthy pregnant women aged 17À45 years and from cord blood of 92 of their neonates. The mean neonatal birth weight was 3.34 ± 0.44 kg. Maternal and cord blood serum levels of zinc, copper, and iron were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and hemoglobin concentration was determined by hematology cell counter. The results indicate significantly lower serum zinc levels and higher copper and iron levels in cord blood than in maternal blood. During the three trimesters of pregnancy, the serum levels of zinc and copper significantly decreased and increased, respectively, whereas the levels of serum iron were unchanged. Significant positive correlation was observed only between zinc levels of cord blood and birth weight. During third trimester, the mean serum levels of zinc and iron were significantly lower in anemic pregnant women (group I: Hb less than 11.0 g/ dL, n = 36) than that in nonanemic pregnant women (group II: Hb > or = 11.0 g/dL, n = 56). There was no noticeable difference between group I and group II regarding cord blood parameters on one hand and neonatal birth weight on the other hand. Similar significant positive correlation was observed between serum zinc levels of cord blood and birth weight in both groups. These results indicate that Jordanian women during pregnancy follow a well-balanced and adequate diet regime.

Serum Level of Some Minerals during Three Trimesters of Pregnancy in Iranian Women and Their Newborns: A Longitudinal Study

“…The mean level of copper in cord blood serum in the current study was lower than maternal values; these values are in agreement with the data obtained from India [15] and Amman [43]. Copper transport is done actively from mother to fetus through the placenta as a result of fetal need.…”

“…Similar results were shown in the other studies carried out in Amman [43] and India [15] which indicate selective uptake of iron by fetus [44].…”

“…Similar findings have been reported in the other studies in India [45] and Amman [43]. Our study exhibited that zinc level of neonates were more than their mothers which could be caused by active transport of zinc from mother to fetus through placenta as a result of high zinc requirement in the fetus, sufficient transport from mother to the fetus and increased absorption in the fetus.…”

The Selenium Levels of Mothers and Their Neonates Using Hair, Breast Milk, Meconium, and Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood in Van Basin

“…It is well known that physiological, metabolic, and hormonal changes during pregnancy affect the metabolic and bodily needs for micronutrients and minerals [1].…”

Copper Concentration in a Healthy Urban Adult Population of Southern Iran

“…Various studies have assessed copper deficiencies in various diseases, and the prevalence of copper deficiencies has been reported in other healthy populations [1,4,5,[9][10][11][12]. However, few community-based studies have investigated the prevalence of copper deficiency in the healthy Iranian population, and information about copper status among the people of southern Iran is lacking.…”