Myo-inositol, glucose and zinc concentrations determined in the preconceptional period, during and after pregnancy

Abstract

Objective To determine the blood concentrations of myo-inositol, glucose and zinc before, during and after normal pregnancy. Study design Preconceptionally, at 6, 10, 20, 30 and 37 weeks amenorrhea, and 6 weeks after delivery, blood samples of 18 nulliparae and 19 multiparae were obtained and concentrations of serum inositol and glucose, and red blood cell zinc were determined. The data were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Results The preconceptional mean (S.E.M.) inositol concentration of 21.7 (1.03) μmol/L was comparable to the concentrations at 6 and 37 weeks amenorrhea, 22.2 (1.03) μmol/L, and 19.9 (1.10) μmol/L, respectively. However, the inositol concentrations at 10 and 20 weeks amenorrhea and post partum were significantly lower than the preconceptional inositol concentration, p < 0.05. The preconceptional mean (S.E.M.) glucose concentration of 3.9 (1.03) mmol/L was comparable to the concentration at 6 and 10 weeks amenorrhea, 3.9 (1.04) mmol/L and 3.8 (1.04) mmol/L respectively. Also at 20, 30 and 37 weeks amenorrhea and after delivery the glucose concentration was significantly lower than the preconceptional glucose concentration, p < 0.05. Preconceptional red blood cell zinc concentrations were comparable to concentrations at 6, 10 and 20 weeks amenorrhea. At 30 and 37 weeks amenorrhea and post partum the zinc concentrations were significantly higher than in the preconceptional period ( p < 0.01). Conclusion The concentrations of inositol, glucose and zinc significantly change during pregnancy. However, the preconceptional blood concentrations reflect the concentrations determined in the first pregnancy trimester rather well, which is important information to be used in future studies into the role of inositol, glucose and zinc in reproductive disorders.