Zinc, Pregnancy and Parturition

Abstract

Villa E I h g a , I. and da Cunba Ferreira, R. M. C. (Department of Paediatrics, University Clink, Sehool of Medicine, University of N m r r a , Pamplona, Spain). Zinc, pregnancy and parturition. Acta Paediatr Scnnd, Suppl. 319: 150.The role of zinc in the nutrition of pregnant women and its relations to prenatal growth and parturition are r w i e w e d . Zinc deficiency (ZD) affects fetal growth and development both in experimental animals and in man. The teratogenicity of zinc deficiency WBS widely demonstrated in animals and is also evident in humans. Alcohol intoxication potentiates the effects of ZD in pnhals. Plasma zinc levels decrease during pregnancy and apparently M adequate and continuous intake of zinc is required for a normal embryonic development. The zinc content of amniotic fluid seems to be related with fetal grawth hut its value as an indicator of embryonic development is controversial. Zinc deficiency also affects adversely parturition. Mild zinc deflciency may d e c t a large number of pregnant women, being potentially harmful to the mother and the fetus. This situation requires the screening of high-risk groups, the definition of adequate dietary intakes for each population, and the supplementation with zinc when deflcits are detected.