Cord Blood Zinc Research Articles

Correlation of Zinc and Copper Levels In Mothers and Cord Blood of Neonates With Prematurity and Intrauterine Growth Pattern.

Background Trace elements like zinc and copper are indispensable for human growth and development, exerting significant influence on a multitude of physiological processes. Acting as pivotal components for transcription factors and catalytic cofactors for enzymes, these elements play essential roles in cellular differentiation and maturation Objective The objective of this study was to study serum zinc and copper levels in mothers and neonates in relation to prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Methods This was a cross-sectional study that included 100 mothers who met the inclusion criteria. Maternal history was recorded, and gestational age was estimated using the New Ballard scoring system. Maternal and cord blood samples were taken for zinc and copper analysis. Results The comparison of maternal copper and zinc levels between term and preterm neonates revealed a statistically significant difference with both trace elements found in less concentration in preterm when compared to the term patients (p= 0.03 for Zinc; 0.0001 for copper). We also report a statistically significant difference in maternal and cord blood copper and zinc levels in cases with IUGR compared to normal neonates. Conclusion The findings show that maternal zinc and copper levels are critical for the intrauterine growth of the fetus and for appropriate gestational age.

The Assessment of Neonatal Anthropometric Indices Association with Umbilical Cord Blood Zinc and Magnesium Levels.

The present research aims to find the association between neonatal anthropometric parameters and zinc and magnesium concentration in cord blood. The current cross-sectional report is a sub-study from the "PERSIAN Birth Cohort Study" conducted on 112 pairs of mother-neonate referring to the index hospitals for giving birth to their children during 2018-19. Umbilical cord blood was collected at delivery for the measurement of zinc and magnesium. Anthropometric indices were measured in standard protocols. Validated questionnaires were used for maternal diet in different trimesters. Dietary patterns were acquired based on exploratory factor analysis. The birth weight was reversely correlated with zinc concentration (r = -0.249, P-value = 0.008); however, the other anthropometric parameters did not show any association with zinc levels (P-value > 0.05). Similar evaluations for magnesium revealed no association between any of the anthropometric indices and this micronutrient agent (P-value > 0.05). Further evaluations represented insignificant differences in both zinc (P-value = 0.51) and magnesium levels (P-value = 0.49) between those with normal versus low birth weight. There was a negative association between the Western dietary pattern in the first trimester of pregnancy and cord blood zinc concentration (β (SE) = -0.21 (0.10); P = 0.026); while healthy and traditional dietary patterns in second and third trimesters were positively related to cord zinc concentration (all P < 0.05). This research did not document a positive statistical association of cord blood zinc and magnesium with birth weight. The association of maternal Western dietary patterns with lower cord blood zinc levels highlights the importance of healthy nutritional habits in pregnancy.

Correlation between Selected Micronutrient Status in Maternal Blood and Cord Blood of Newborn from a Tertiary Care Hospital in West Bengal, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The demand for most micronutrients increases during pregnancy for obvious reasons. Micronutrients like copper and zinc are indispensable co-factors for various enzymes in metabolism. The reduction in the concentration of serum iron and ferritin is a common phenomenon in pregnancy, and early diagnosis is crucial for favourable maternal and foetal outcomes. However, there is a dearth of studies on the metabolism of micronutrients in pregnancy. Aim: The aim of this cross-sectional study, conducted from July 2018 to February 2019 in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and the Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, West Bengal, India, was to assess the serum levels of copper, zinc, and iron in maternal serum and foetal cord blood. Additionally, the study aimed to correlate the concentrations of these micronutrients between maternal serum and foetal cord blood. Materials and Methods: A total of 336 pregnant women of childbearing age, irrespective of gravida, were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from the pregnant women, and cord blood samples were collected from the foetal end in clot vials for the estimation of copper, zinc, and iron levels. Correlation was assessed between the concentration of these micronutrients in maternal serum and cord blood of the newborn. Data normality was determined using the Shapiro-Wilk normality tests, and the significance level was set at p-value ≤0.05. Results: The study included a total of 336 pregnant women in the age group of 18-33 years, with a mean age of 29.72±4.39 years. In maternal serum, the mean concentration of copper was 122.79±33.67 μg/dL, zinc was 78.47±27.62 μg/dL, and iron was 114.5±45.05 μg/dL. In foetal cord blood, the mean concentration of copper was 48.02±16.37 μg/dL, zinc was 75.82±27.64 μg/dL, and iron was 185.30±52.74 μg/dL. The correlation coefficients between maternal serum and foetal cord blood concentrations were statistically significant for zinc and iron (p-value&lt;0.05). Additionally, the correlation was statistically significant for copper (p-value=0.030). The mean concentration of haemoglobin in maternal serum was 10.9±1.96 g/dL, compared to 14.05±2.13 g/dL in cord blood. The mean maternal serum ferritin was 73.53±56.15 μg/L, and the mean cord blood ferritin was 147.21±61.13 μg/L. Conclusion: The study demonstrated a positive correlation between the concentrations of iron and zinc in maternal serum and foetal cord blood, while a negative correlation was observed for copper concentration.

Study Of Cord Blood Zinc Levels in Low and Normal Birth Weight Neonates and Correlate with Their Mother’s Serum Zinc Levels

Study Of Cord Blood Zinc Levels in Low and Normal Birth Weight Neonates and Correlate with Their Mother’s Serum Zinc Levels

An Observational Study to Correlate Maternal Serum and Cord Blood Zinc with Fetal Growth Restriction

Objectives: To study maternal serum and cord blood zinc as causal factor in fetal growth restriction and to find out correlation, if any, between birth weight and maternal serum and cord blood zinc levels. Material and methods: This prospective observational study was carried out on 120 term pregnant women who attended the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, of which, 60 had FGR babies and 60 had normal growth babies. Serum zinc levels were studied in these women and cord blood zinc levels in their neonates. Results: After adjusting for other variables in the multivariable model we found that the mean serum zinc level in study group women was 115.65±6.36µg/dL at term and 116.91±6.39µg/dL in late preterm neonates. Also, we found that the mean cord blood zinc levels were 136.03±9.25µg/dL in study group and 135.24±4.72µg/dL in control group in term neonates while in late preterm neonates, it was 135.06±9.52µg/dL in study group and 133.18±6.58µg/dL in control group. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between birth weight of FGR babies with the maternal serum zinc levels at term and between cord blood zinc levels and birth weight in both preterm and term neonates. Conclusion: Zinc is an essential micronutrient during pregnancy and is needed for fetal development and placental functions. Its role in fetal growth and development, need of supplementation in pregnant women needs to be studied further to demonstrate better clinical outcomes in women with growth retarded fetus. Keywords: Cord blood zinc, Fetal growth restriction, late preterm neonates, maternal zinc, micronutrients, term neonates.

SERUM ZINC CONCENTRATION OF CORD BLOOD IN TERM NEONATES AT OF HUE UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY HOSPITAL

Background: Zinc is one of the important trace elements involved in many biological functions of the body. Newborns are susceptible to zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency in the mother during pregnancy can affect the status of zinc supply for the fetus. 70% is accumulated in the last trimester of pregnancy, so term neonates, especially premature neonates are at high risk of zinc deficiency. Several studies have shown that neonates zinc intake is related to maternal serum zinc status during pregnancy; there is a relationship between cord blood serum zinc concentration and birth weight, gestational age. Objectives: To investigate the serum zinc concentration of cord blood and examine several related factors. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional description on 244 umbilical cord blood samples from a mother-child pair of term term neonates born at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy during the period from January, 2019 to December, 2019. Results: The median cord blood serum zinc concentration in term neonates was 8.0 (3.8 – 12.0) μmol/l. The rate of zinc deficiency in cord blood was 64.3%. The median umbilical cord blood serum zinc concentration in small for gestational age (SGA) neonates was 2.9 (0.0 – 5.9) μmol/l, in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates was 8.3 (4.2 – 12.2) μmol/l. 100% of SGA neonates have umbilical cord blood serum zinc deficiency. There is a relationship between cord blood zinc concentration and birth weight and length. There was no association between cord blood serum zinc concentration andsex, risk of neonatal infection, maternal disease, or fetal distress. Conclusion: The rate of zinc deficiency in cord blood is very high at 64.3%. Factors related to umbilical cord blood zinc concentration in term neonates were birth weight and length. Key words: zinc, umbilical cord blood, full-term newborn.

Comparison of maternal serum and neonatal cord blood levels of zinc in relation to birth weight and period of gestation

Background: Women are at increased risk of zinc deficiency during pregnancy because of high fetal requirements for zinc. Severe maternal zinc deficiency has been associated with poor fetal growth, spontaneous abortion and congenital malformations (i.e., anencephaly), whereas milder forms of zinc deficiency have been associated with low birth weight (LBW), intrauterine growth retardation, and preterm delivery. However, the research relating maternal zinc status and birth weight has not produced consistent results. This study has been undertaken to confirm the association between maternal serum zinc concentration and birth weight and period of gestation in setting like India.Methods: A total of 100 new-borns were included and divided into two groups, the ‘study group’ had babies with birth weight &lt;2.5 kg and control group’ with babies &gt;2.5 kg birth weight. Cord blood from the new-borns and serum samples of mothers were collected and the zinc levels were measured.Results: The correlation of cord blood and the maternal serum zinc levels were assessed in relation to birth weight and the gestational age. The results were compared between the two groups. The difference in values between the two groups was statistically significant, maternal serum zinc levels and birth weight (84.78±21.62 vs 66.04±18.66) (‘P’ value 0.04), cord blood zinc levels and birth weight (98.44±22.59 vs 79.78±19.54) (‘P’ value &lt;0.001). The maternal serum and cord blood zinc was compared between the preterm and term; the results were statistically significant.Conclusions: The maternal and cord blood levels of zinc are correlated well with the birth weight and the gestational age at delivery. Supplementation of zinc during gestation might help reduce the incidence of IUGR and the risk of prematurity.

Effect of Maternal Nutritional Status and Mode of Delivery on Zinc and Iron Stores at Birth.

Zinc and iron deficiencies among infants aged under 6 months may be related with nutrient store at birth. This study aimed to investigate the association between zinc and iron stores at birth with maternal nutritional status and intakes during pregnancy. 117 pregnant women were enrolled at the end of second trimester and followed until delivery. Clinical data during pregnancy, including pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and at parturition were collected from medical record. Zinc and iron intakes were estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. Serum zinc and ferritin were determined in maternal blood at enrollment and cord blood. Mean cord blood zinc and ferritin were 10.8 ± 2.6 µmol/L and 176 ± 75.6 µg/L, respectively. Cord blood zinc was associated with pre-pregnancy BMI (adj. ß 0.150; p = 0.023) and serum zinc (adj. ß 0.115; p = 0.023). Cord blood ferritin was associated with pre-pregnancy BMI (adj. ß −5.231; p = 0.009). Cord blood zinc and ferritin were significantly higher among those having vaginal delivery compared to cesarean delivery (adj. ß 1.376; p = 0.007 and 32.959; p = 0.028, respectively). Maternal nutritional status and mode of delivery were significantly associated with zinc and iron stores at birth. Nutrition during preconception and pregnancy should be ensured to build adequate stores of nutrients for infants.

Fetal oxidative stress, micronutrient deficiency and risk of retinopathy of prematurity: a nested case-control study

MDA concentration in cord plasma. MDA in maternal and 40-week PMA plasma; copper, zinc, and vitamin A in maternal, cord, and 40-week PMA samples. Thirty-eight cases and 151 controls had a mean (SD) GA of 29.5 (1) and 29.9 (1) weeks respectively. Following were associated with ROP: higher MDA concentration in cord and 40-week PMA samples; lower copper and zinc in maternal serum; lower zinc and vitamin A in cord sample (all p < 0.05). MDA [adjusted OR (aOR) = 4.13 (95% CI 1.83-9.27)] and vitamin A [aOR = 0.09 (95% CI 0.02-0.4)] concentration in cord plasma and weight gain (g/kg/week) [aOR = 0.97 (0.95-0.99)] independently predicted ROP. Increased oxidative stress and deficiency of micronutrients from fetal life were associated with ROP. Clinical Trials Registry of India CTRI/REF/2014/12/008174. What is Known: • In developing countries, there is a higher incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), but micronutrient deficiencies have not been adequately investigated as risk factors. • Few observational studies have shown an association between ROP and postnatal increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and deficiencies of antioxidant vitamins and minerals, but none in cord blood. What is New: • High MDA, low zinc, and low vitamin A levels in cord blood and low copper and zinc levels in maternal blood are associated with the development of ROP. • On multivariable analysis, high cord blood MDA and low cord blood vitamin A are independent predictors of ROP.

Metal mining and birth defects: a case-control study in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Widespread environmental contamination caused by mining of copper and cobalt has led to concerns about the possible association between birth defects and exposure to several toxic metals in southern Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We therefore aimed to assess the possible contribution of parental and antenatal exposure to trace metals to the occurrence of visible birth defects among neonates. We did a case-control study between March 1, 2013, and Feb 28, 2015, in Lubumbashi, DRC. We included newborns with visible birth defects (cases) and healthy neonates born in the same maternity ward (controls). Mothers were interviewed about potentially relevant exposures, including their partners' jobs. Various trace metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in maternal urine, maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, placental tissue, and surface dust at home. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to calculate adjusted odds ratios and their 95% CIs (CI). Our study included 138 neonates with visible birth defects (about 0·1% of the 133 662 births in Lubumbashi during the study period) and 108 control neonates. Potential confounders were similarly distributed between cases and controls. Vitamin consumption during pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of birth defects (adjusted odds ratio 0·2, 95% CI 0·1-0·5). Mothers having paid jobs outside the home (2·8, 1·2-6·9) and fathers having mining-related jobs (5·5, 1·2-25·0) were associated with a higher risk of birth defects. We found no associations for trace metal concentrations in biological samples, except for a doubling of manganese (Mn; 1·7, 1·1-2·7) and zinc (Zn; 1·6, 0·9-2·8) in cord blood. In a separate model including placentas, a doubling of Mn at the fetal side of the placenta was associated with an increased risk of birth defects (3·3, 1·2-8·0), as was a doubling of cord blood Zn (5·3, 1·6-16·6). To our knowledge, this is the first study of the effects of mining-related pollution on newborns in sub-Saharan Africa. Paternal occupational mining exposure was the factor most strongly associated with birth defects. Because neither Mn nor Zn are mined in Lubumbashi, the mechanism of the association between their increased prenatal concentrations and birth defects is unclear. Flemish Interuniversity Council-University Development Cooperation, The Coalition of the North-South movement in Flanders 11.11.11.

Association of Cord Blood Zinc Level and Birth Weight in a Sample of Iranian Neonates.

Background:In addition to its short-term effects, low birth weight increases the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in adult life. The quality of maternal diet including the macronutrient intake is very important in this regard. This study aims to evaluate the possible associations between maternal zinc and neonatal anthropometric measures.Method:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 226 pairs of mothers-neonates in Isfahan, Iran. Maternal characteristics including the history of the disease, age, preconceptional weight, weight gain during pregnancy, as well as, anthropometric characteristics of neonates such as weight, height, length, and circumferences of head, belly, chest, and thigh were documented. Cord blood zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer in three groups of neonates depending on their weights.Results:The gestational age of neonates was 35 to 38 weeks with a mean weight of 3.13 ± 0.42 kg. The mean of zinc concentration was 0.81 ± 0.18 and it was higher in neonates with appropriate weight than in those with high or low birth weight (0.82 ± 0.18, 0.75 ± 0.19, and 0.65 ± 0.12 ng/ml, respectively). Bivariate correlation analysis showed significant weak correlation between cord blood zinc and neonatal weight (r = 0.16, P = 0.04).Conclusions:The cord blood zinc concentration of normal-weight neonates was higher than others. Our findings suggest that maternal zinc may influence neonatal birth weight, and it should be considered in the primordial prevention of NCDs.

The Low umbilical cord Zinc levels Lead to Atopic Allergic Infants : a Cohort study during 0-4 months of Age

Background: The research on association between differentiation of Th1 and Th2 were previously conducted on experimental animals. The study on association between umbilical cord zinc and the risk of allergy symptoms during early stage of life has not been conducted in Indonesia. Studies on zinc and allergies are commonly investigated during adulthood and the results are still contradictive.&#x0D; Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the extent of zinc’s role in the emergence of atopic allergy symptoms during the first 4 months age&#x0D; Methods: This prospective cohort study includes consecutive 80 healthy newborns followed up for 4 months after birth at Semarang Sultan Agung Islamic Hospital and Bangetayu Primary Health Care. Hypothesis testing were analyzed with unpaired t-test , chi-square test or fisher’s test&#x0D; Results: The mean value of cord blood zinc in allergic infants were significantly lower when compared with non atopic allergy (74.1 ± 17.3 μg / dL vs 91.5 ± 22.6 μg / dL, p=0.029). Very early formula feeding were 4.4 times more at risk of suffering from allergies(p=0.023).&#x0D; Conclusion: Umbilical cord zinc levels are associated with atopic allergy symptoms for the first 4 months of life. Formula feeding before 1 month of age was associated with atopic allergic infants&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(1) 2020 p.114-121

Cord blood zinc status effects on pregnancy outcomes and its relation with maternal serum zinc levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The association between maternal and cord blood zinc level and pregnancy outcomes remains uncertain. The present study aims to assess whether maternal blood zinc level represents cord blood zinc level correctly. In this meta-analysis, systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for relevant available English articles which included mean and standard deviation values of cord blood zinc level up to April 2019. For the assessment of the relation between cord blood zinc level and pregnancy outcomes, the pooled standard mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used and 23 studies were analyzed. Cumulative analysis showed that cord blood zinc level was found significantly decreased in pregnancies with complications compared with healthy pregnancy controls [REM: P = 0.0007, mean difference -7.9 (-12.48, -3.31)]. For further analysis, maternal serum zinc level status was determined from same studies to compare with cord blood levels and subgroups were detected as "Preterm", "Preeclampsia", "Small for gestational age/Intrauterine growth restriction and Low birth weight". It was observed that cord blood zinc levels in subgroup analysis were also decreased and/or tend to be decreased compared to healthy pregnancies, except for preeclampsia subgroup. Also, a correlation was seen between cord blood and maternal blood zinc level status (R = 0.4365, 95% CI -0.530, 0.756; P = 0.0351). It was thought that cord blood zinc level might tend to decrease more than maternal serum zinc level in the pathological conditions during pregnancies.

Study of cord blood zinc level in term AGA &amp;amp; term SGA newborns

Introduction: In India, the incidence of low birth weight babies is around 28%. About two third of the low birth weight babies are term-small for gestational age babies and one third are preterm babies. Low birth weight babies might have low nutritional reserve, especially the micronutrients, out of which zinc is an important one. This study is done to find if there is any association between cord blood zinc level and birth weight in term SGA and AGA babies.Materials & Methods: This is a Prospective cross sectional study which was done in 100 newborns, in which 50 were term SGA and 50 were term AGA newborns. The period of the study was one year. Our study included term SGA as cases and term AGA as controls. After obtaining informed consent from the parents, cord blood sample for serum zinc was collected from term-SGA and term-AGA babies for serum zinc level estimation and sent to our central laboratory. Result: The mean cord blood zinc level in AGA was 97.15 and 90.89 in SGA and there is statistical significance in the cord blood zinc level between AGA and SGA groups.Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a significant correlation in the cord blood zinc level between the term AGA and term SGA neonates.

Exposure profile of mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, antimony, copper, selenium and zinc in maternal blood, cord blood and placenta: the Tohoku Study of Child Development in Japan

BackgroundThe effects of prenatal exposure to toxic elements on birth outcomes and child development have been an area of concern. This study aimed to assess the profile of prenatal exposure to toxic elements, arsenic (As), bismuth (Bi), cadmium (Cd), mercury (total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MHg), inorganic mercury (IHg)), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb) and tin (Sn), and essential trace elements, copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn), using the maternal blood, cord blood and placenta in the Tohoku Study of Child Development of Japan (N = 594–650).MethodsInductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine the concentrations of these elements (except mercury). Levels of THg and MeHg were measured using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrophotometry and a gas chromatograph-electron capture detector, respectively.ResultsMedian concentrations (25th–75th) of As, Cd, Pb, Sb, Sn and THg in the maternal blood were 4.06 (2.68–6.81), 1.18 (0.74–1.79), 10.8 (8.65–13.5), 0.2 (0.06–0.40) and 0.2 (0.1–0.38) ng mL−1 and 5.42 (3.89–7.59) ng g−1, respectively. Median concentrations (25th–75th) of As, Cd, Pb, Sb, Sn and THg in the cord blood were 3.68 (2.58–5.25), 0.53 (0.10–1.25), 9.89 (8.02–12.5), 0.39 (0.06–0.92) and 0.2 (0.2–0.38) ng mL−1 and 9.96 (7.05–13.8) ng g−1, respectively.ConclusionsTHg and Sb levels in the cord blood were twofold higher than those in the maternal blood. Cord blood to maternal blood ratios for As, Cd and Sb widely varied between individuals. To understand the effects of prenatal exposure, further research regarding the variations of placental transfer of elements is necessary.

A Study on Maternal Zinc and Cord Blood Zinc Levels in Aga and SGA

A Study on Maternal Zinc and Cord Blood Zinc Levels in Aga and SGA

A Study on Cord Blood Zinc Levels with Age and Parity in Sgapregenant Mothers

A Study on Cord Blood Zinc Levels with Age and Parity in Sgapregenant Mothers

The relationship of maternal and umbilical cord blood zinc level associated with newborn birth weight: a birth cohort study

Objective: To study serum zinc level in pregnancy and umbilical cord blood and their association with newborn birth weight. Methods: Pregnant women accepting obstetric examination in Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Care Center were recruited from May 2013 to September 2014. The follow up was conducted during their first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy and the self-designed questionnaire was used to collect information of social and demographic characteristics. Blood samples in the first, second pregnancy period and umbilical cord blood samples were collected and serum concentrations of zinc were assayed. 3 239 mother-infant entered the final analysis. We divided serum zinc level into low (<P(25)), medium (P(25)-P(75)) and high (>P(75)) groups according to their exposure concentrations at each trimesters. Non-conditional multivariate logistic regression model was conducted to evaluate the association between serum zinc level in first, second trimesters of pregnancy and umbilical cord blood with small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA). Results: Serum zinc level in P(50) (P(25)-P(75)) during the first, second trimesters and cord blood were 1 016.18 (907.09-1 145.60), 813.36 (732.47-897.89) and 903.44 (808.71-1 015.64) μg/L, respectively. The prevalence of zinc deficiency during the first, second trimesters and cord blood were 1.5% (44/2 957), 15.9% (492/3 087) and 6.5% (176/2 707), respectively. The prevalence of total SGA and LGA were 9.7% (313/3 239) and 16.5% (536/3 239), respectively. Compared to high-level serum zinc group, the risk of SGA (OR (95%CI) in low-level serum zinc group during first trimesters was 1.51 (1.05-2.19)). Serum zinc level among second pregnancy period and umbilical cord blood had no statistically significant effect on SGA and LGA (both P values >0.05). Conclusion: Zinc nutritional status of pregnant women in Ma'anshan city was at a good level. The low serum zinc level in first trimester increased the risk of SGA.

Maternal Perceived Stress during Pregnancy Increases Risk for Low Neonatal Iron at Delivery and Depletion of Storage Iron at One Year

To investigate the impact of maternal stress during pregnancy on newborn iron and stage 1 iron deficiency at 1 year of age. In total, 245 mothers and their newborn infants (52% male; 72% white) were recruited at the Meriter Hospital Birthing Center on the basis of known risk factors for iron deficiency. Umbilical cord blood hemoglobin and zinc protoporphyrin/heme (ZnPP/H) were determined to evaluate erythrocyte iron and plasma ferritin was determined to reflect storage iron. Mothers retrospectively reported stress experienced previously during pregnancy on a 25-item questionnaire. Blood was also was collected from 79 infants who were breastfed at 1 year of age. Maternal recall of distress and health concerns during pregnancy correlated with cord blood ZnPP/H indices (r = 0.21, P < .01), even in the absence of major traumatic events. When concurrent with other known risks for iron deficiency, including maternal adiposity, socioeconomic status, and race, maternal stress had a summative effect, lowering cord blood iron. At 1 year, 24% of infants who were breastfed had moderate iron deficiency (plasma ferritin <12 µg/L). Higher cord blood ZnPP/H was predictive of this moderate iron deficiency (95% CI 0.26-1.47, P = .007). When coincident with maternal reports of gestational stress, the likelihood of low plasma ferritin at 1 year increased 36-fold in breastfed infants as compared with low-stress pregnancies (95% CI 1.33-6.83, P = .007). Maternal recall of stress during pregnancy was associated with lower iron stores at birth. High cord blood ZnPP/H, reflecting low erythrocyte iron, was correlated with the likelihood of stage 1 iron deficiency at 1 year, when rapid growth can deplete storage iron in breastfed infants.

Toxic metals in maternal blood, cord blood and meconium of newborn infants in Pakistan.

Toxic metals and deficiency/excess of trace elements can have adverse effects on health. The aim of this study was to quantify toxic metals lead, cadmium and trace elements zinc, copper, aluminium (Al) and Iron (Fe) levels in pregnant women, cord blood and meconium of new-born infants from industrial zones of Karachi, Pakistan. Analytical research was performed from 2011-2012 in low socio-economic pregnant mothers and newborn infants from 20 towns near Sindh Industrial Trading Estates, Federal B industrial area and Korangi industrial areas, Karachi, where environmental pollution was anticipated. Blood samples of pregnant women (n = 416), cord blood (n = 309) and meconium (n = 309) were analyzed quantitatively for metals and trace elements. Results indicated that mothers residing in steel towns were found to have the highest levels of lead. Meconium contained high levels of toxic heavy metals and trace elements compared to cord blood and maternal blood. Maternal blood toxic metals were present in high quantities. Therefore, safety measures should be taken when industrial waste is disposed of in order to prevent population contamination.