[Physiological significance of zinc: perinatal approximation]

Zinc is a very important micronutrient in several biological functions. During pregnancy, zinc deficiency causes fetal-growth retardation, malformations and others poor pregnancy outcomes. The additional need for zinc during pregnancy can be met by an increase in zinc intake, bioavailability or by physiologic adjustments in zinc homeostasis. However, there are factors associated with low intestinal zinc absorption such as diets high in phytate, and iron or calcium supplementation. Further studies of maternal zinc status are necessary to define a prophylactic supplementation to prevent zinc deficiency during pregnancy.