Plasma zinc, vitamin B₁₂ and α-tocopherol are positively and plasma γ-tocopherol is negatively associated with Hb concentration in early pregnancy in north-west Bangladesh

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the current analysis was to explore the association of multiple micronutrients with Hb concentration among pregnant women in a South Asian setting, a topic that has not been adequately explored. Design: Sociodemographic, anthropometric and micronutrient status (plasma ferritin, transferrin receptor, retinol, a-and g-tocopherol, folate, vitamin B 12 , Zn) and Hb concentration were assessed at early pregnancy. Setting: The biochemical sub-study was nested within a double-blind, placebocontrolled, community-based vitamin A and b-carotene supplementation trial in rural north-western Bangladesh (JiVitA). All assessments were conducted before trial supplementation was initiated. Subjects: A systematic sample of 285 women was selected from those enrolled in the biochemical sub-study. Results: Seventeen per cent of women were mildly anaemic; moderate and severe anaemia was uncommon (2?1 %). a-Tocopherol, vitamin B 12 and Zn deficiencies were common (43?5 %, 19?7 % and 14?7 %, respectively); however, vitamin A, folate and Fe deficiencies were comparatively rare (7?4 %, 2?8 % and ,1 %, respectively). Plasma Zn, vitamin B 12 and a-tocopherol were positively associated and plasma g-tocopherol was negatively associated with Hb (P , 0?05) after adjustment for gestational age, inflammation status, season and nutritional status measured by mid-upper arm circumference. Conclusions: Among pregnant women in rural Bangladesh with minimal Fe deficiency, plasma Zn, vitamin B 12 , and a-and g-tocopherol concentrations were associated with Hb concentration. Appreciating the influence on Hb of micronutrients in addition to those with known associations with anaemia, such as Fe, folate, and vitamin A, is important when addressing anaemia in similar settings. Keywords Hb Tocopherol Zinc PregnancyThe global prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women, a demographic that experiences a disproportionately elevated risk, is estimated to be 42 % or more (1) . In Bangladesh, the most recent national survey from 1998 to 1999 showed that 49 % of pregnant women were anaemic, similar to the rate found in other studies and surveys across the country (2)(3)(4)

Prevalence of zinc deficiency and its association with dietary, serum albumin and intestinal parasitic infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

“…Other possible explanation may be urban-rural difference, as the previous studies in India and Sidama targeted only rural areas. The result of the present study was relatively higher than reports from Eastern Sudan (38 %) [32], Central Sudan (45 %) [17], Malawi (36 %) [33], Vietnam 29 % [34], Bangladesh 14.7 % [35], and Iran 49 % [21]. The reason for this difference probably is due to nutritional regiment; cultural differences in food preparation and feeding habit.…”

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Zinc Deficiency Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Gambella Hospital, Gambella, Ethiopia, 2018

“…Similar findings were reported from Sidama, Southern Ethiopia. [20,21] Like wisely, similar studies conducted in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Turkey [25,30,37] were also supported the finding. This could be reflecting more about the influence of pregnancy is interacted with physiological changes and increased metabolic demands.…”

“…The high prevalence of ZD in this study as compared to the similar studies conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (11.3%) [29], Pakistan (27.8%) [30], Eastern and Central Sudan (38% and 45%) [31,32], Malawi (46%) [33], Iran (29% and 49%) [34,35], Vietnam (29%) [36], Bangladesh (14.7%) [37], and Uruguay (7-14%) [38] might be explained by the high food insecurity in the study setting is leading to lack of access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food which in turn leads to low zinc concentration. Moreover, crops grown locally will have low zinc content and households who depend entirely on locally produced crops will be more likely to develop ZD because of the low zinc contents of the Ethiopian soil.…”

Vitamin B12 Status and Optimal Range for Hemoglobin Formation in Elite Athletes

“…Yet, when assessing the influence of vitamin B 12 on RBC parameters in the absence of anemia, the available data are inconclusive. Several studies have confirmed the relationship between vitamin B 12 concentration and Hb, MCV, MCH and Hct [42][43][44][45]. However, the majority of studies [46][47][48][49], as well as the recent meta-analysis [50], failed to prove such a relationship.…”