Maternal Zinc Intake and Its Correlation with Maternal Serum Zinc Levels and Neonatal Birth Weight and Length

Abstract

Background and Objective: Poor fetal growth results not only from a deficiency in macronutrients but also from inadequate intake of micronutrients that are vital during pregnancy. One of the micronutrients with an important role in fetal growth is zinc. Zinc deficiency in pregnancy can be detrimental to fetal growth and development. The purpose of this study was to assess maternal zinc intake and its correlation with maternal serum zinc levels and neonatal birthweight and length. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital and other hospitals in Medan, North Sumatera, from April to October 2019. Eligible subjects were pregnant mothers with their newborn pairs who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and who were enrolled with a consecutive sampling technique. Maternal dietary intakes were analyzed using a computerized nutrient-intake assessment, the Indonesian Version of the NutriSurvey. Maternal serum zinc levels were measured in the second or third trimester during pregnancy and neonatal birth weight and length were measured upon delivery. Results: A total of 70 subjects were recruited. The mean maternal weight during pregnancy was 65.6±10.5 kg and the prepregnancy maternal BMI was 22.7±3.7. The mean maternal serum zinc level was53.3±10.7 µg dLG1 and the prevalence of maternal serum zinc levels<56 µg dLG1 was 61.4%. Dietary intake was sufficient in regard to energy and fat but was low for zinc. The mean energy, fat and zinc intake levels were 2066±248.4 kcal dayG1 (96.5±11.4%, 78.3±19.5 g dayG1 (96.5±24.6%) and 5.8±1.1 mg dayG1 (58.1±11.1%), respectively. There was a significant difference in dietary intake of protein [(40.7±7.8 vs 61.5±11.9) g dG1; p = 0.001] and zinc [(5.1±0.5 vs 6.9±0.9) mg dayG1; p = 0.001] between women with low and normal maternal zinc levels. Maternal zinc intake had a strong positive linear correlation with maternal serum zinc levels and neonatal birth weight and length (r = 0.941; r = 0.573; r = 0.618; p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: There was a significant positive linear correlation of maternal zinc intake with maternal serum zinc levels and neonatal birth weight and length.