Serum levels of zinc, calcium, and iron are associated with the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women

Abstract

Several evidences indicate that various elements including antioxidant minerals might play an important role in preeclampsia (PE). This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between serum mineral levels such as zinc, calcium, iron and selenium and the risk of preeclampsia in Korean women. Thirty women with preeclampsia and 29 normal controls were recruited for the study. Preeclampsia was defined as high blood pressure (≥ 140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks gestation) and proteinuria (≥ 300 mg/24 hours). Serum mineral content was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Serum zinc (P < 0.0001) and calcium (P = 0.0188) levels were lower in women with preeclampsia than those of normal women, while serum iron was significantly higher in women with preeclampsia (P = 0.0045). The odds ratio for preeclampsia was lower in women with higher serum zinc levels than those with lower levels after adjustment for age, height, and weight before delivery (P < 0.0001). The adjusted odds ratio for preeclampsia also decreased across tertiles of serum calcium concentration (P = 0.0452). However, we found increased adjusted odds ratio for preeclampsia across tertiles of serum iron level (P = 0.0104). These results suggest that levels of serum minerals such as zinc, calcium, and iron may be associated with the risk of preeclampsia in Korean pregnant women.