Abstract
Objective: This study assessed the serum zinc, copper and albumin levels in paired mother and newborns in the immediate neonatal period to establish the relationship between the pair, and the influence of maternal micronutrient status on that of the newborn if any. Methods: The sociodemographic characteristics of the mothers were obtained using a structured questioner after informed consent was obtained from the parents of the baby. At delivery, paired mother and newborns had their serum zinc, copper and albumin assayed, using cord blood in the newborn. Result: One hundred and thirty five mothers and their paired term newborns completed the study. The mean age of the mothers was 29.2 ± 4.6 years with 67% within the age bracket 20 to 30 years. Seventy three percent of the mothers attained tertiary education and 22% had secondary education. The mean serum zinc was significantly higher in the newborn (3.67 ± 1.49 μmol/L) than in the mothers (2.20 ± 1.01 μmol/L), p = 0.0001, with a feto-maternal ratio of 1.6 to 1. Copper was significantly higher in the mothers (4.27 ± 1.77 μmol/L), than in the newborns (2.84 ± 0.92 μmol/L) (p = 0.001), with a maternal-fetal ratio of 1.5 to 1. Mean serum albumin was significantly lower in the newborns than in the mothers (p > 0.011). Conclusion: This study established that term newborns have higher serum zinc, a lower serum copper and albumin levels than their maternal levels. The distribution of these trace elements is probably protective in the newborns against infection.
Highlights
Pregnancy is associated with increased nutritional needs due to the physiologic changes of the woman and the metabolic demands of the embryo/fetus
This study assessed the serum zinc, copper and albumin levels in paired mother and newborns in the immediate neonatal period to establish the relationship between the pair, and the influence of maternal micronutrient status on that of the newborn if any
Copper was significantly higher in the mothers (4.27 ± 1.77 μmol/L), than in the newborn (2.84 ± 0.92 μmol/L) (p = 0.001), with Figure 2 showing that serum copper levels were higher in the mothers than their paired newborns at a ratio of 1.5 to 1 (Table 3)
Summary
Pregnancy is associated with increased nutritional needs due to the physiologic changes of the woman and the metabolic demands of the embryo/fetus. Proper maternal nutrition during pregnancy is imperative for the health of both the woman and the offspring [1]. The nutritional requirements in pregnancy include calories, protein, lipids and micronutrients. Micronutrients are elements and vitamins required in trace amounts for normal growth and development which influence the health of both the mother and foetus [2] [3] [4]. Multiple micronutrient deficiencies can result from poor quality diet, inadequate animal protein intake especially in developing countries [5]. Micronutrients deficiencies are common due to increased nutrient requirements of the mother and the developing fetus
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