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

Abstract

A large body of evidence supports the concept that human pregnancy outcome is significantly influenced by the nutritional status of the mother. The consumption of "poor diets" has been associated with an increased risk for pregnancy complications, including gross structural birth defects, prematurity, low birth weight, and an increased risk for neurobehavioral and immunological abnormalities after birth. Forty-four years ago, zinc deficiency in mammals was shown to be teratogenic. Maternal zinc deficiency produces effects ranging from infertility and embryo/fetal death, to intrauterine growth retardation and teratogenesis. Postnatal complications of maternal zinc deficiency can also occur, and include behavioral abnormalities, impaired immunocompetence, and an elevated risk for high blood pressure in the offspring. It has been suggested that developmental zinc deficiency in humans can present a significant challenge to the conceptus, increasing the risk for numerous defects. Developmental zinc deficiency can occur through multiple pathways, and the concept that acute phase response-induced changes in maternal zinc metabolism may be a common cause of embryonic and fetal zinc deficiency is presented. Potential mechanisms underlying the teratogenic effects of zinc deficiency are reviewed. The potential value of maternal zinc supplementation in high risk pregnancies is discussed.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Expressed Levels of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma and Glucose Transporter Type 1 Genes in Newborns of Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

“…However, the regulation of placental GLUT1 expression remains unclear [29]. In accordance with the importance of zinc for fetal development, zinc deficiency during pregnancy has reported that is associated with congenital malformations and embryonic and fetal deaths [30]. Strengths of the current study were the blinding of participants and without dropout rate.…”

Dietary phytate intake inhibits the bioavailability of iron and calcium in the diets of pregnant women in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

“…Iron and calcium deficiencies during pregnancy contribute significantly to maternal deaths, while iron deficiency is also associated with low birth weight [3]. Furthermore, maternal zinc deficiency results in consequences ranging from fetal death to intrauterine growth retardation [4].…”

Testicular apoptosis after dietary zinc deficiency: Ultrastructural and TUNEL studies

“…Zinc deficiency, a global problem, contributes negatively to human health and development [Maret and Sandstead 2008;Walingo 2009]. Moderate and marginal zinc deficiency, due to inadequate intake, is by far more common throughout the world than severe deficiency [Al-Timimi 2009], especially in those stages of life when requirements are increased such as infancy, childhood, and pregnancy [Fesharakinia et al 2009, Hess andKing 2009;Uriu-Adams and Keen 2010]. Zinc affects different aspects of mammalian reproduction [Dissanayake et al 2009;Björndahl and Kvist 2010].…”