Abstract
The trace elements used in the study are zinc, copper, selenium and iron, these have been implicated in various reproductive events. Maternal trace elements intake and their concentration are important for maternal and fetal well-being; however, data is insufficient in Ghanaian pregnant women. Especially, their concentration according to the pregnancy course (1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester) should be determined, which may provide fundamental data of this issue. The maternal blood levels of four trace elements: zinc, copper, selenium and iron, were determined according to the gestational age in Ghanaian pregnant women. Blood samples were taken from 150 pregnant women (50 for each trimester) and 50 non-pregnant women (control). Concentration of four trace elements was measured using Flame Atomic Absorptive Spectrophotometer. The data (mean ± SD; ug/L) was as follows: in the order of control, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester. 1) For zinc, 313 ± 211, 101 ± 92, 66 ± 63, and 443 ± 321. 2) For copper, 345 ± 261, 1349 ± 418, 1507 ± 388, and 1811 ± 344. 3) For selenium, 99 ± 25, 56 ± 17, 163 ± 38, and 261 ± 84. 4) For iron, 43.2 ± 15.2, 27.3 ± 15.7, 28.7 ± 17.2, and 40.5 ± 17 ug/L. Although each trace element showed various/specific concentrations according to the gestational age, overall tendency was a decline at 1st and 2nd trimester, and increase at 3rd trimester. The latter may be due to the introduction of supplementation. These data may be of use to consider maternal nutritional status in this area. Objective: To estimate the levels of zinc, copper, iron and selenium in pregnancy. Subjects were recruited from the Osu Maternity Home (OMH).
Highlights
IntroductionThere is a need for essential minerals such as trace elements
The trace elements used in the study are zinc, copper, selenium and iron, these have been implicated in various reproductive events
Copper and magnesium have been implicated in various reproductive events like fertility, pregnancy induced hypertension, placental abruption, premature rupture of membranes, pregnancy wastage, congenital anomalies, still births and low birth weight [1]
Summary
There is a need for essential minerals such as trace elements. These trace elements are needed in minute quantities in the body but are mostly limiting in the diets, of the socio-economically weaker and physiologically venerable sections of the population in developing countries [1]. Deficiencies of these trace elements have been documented to play a major role in the determination of fetal outcome. Copper and magnesium have been implicated in various reproductive events like fertility, pregnancy induced hypertension, placental abruption, premature rupture of membranes, pregnancy wastage, congenital anomalies, still births and low birth weight [1]
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