Copper, zinc and magnesium status in hyperemesis gravidarum

Plasma copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) levels were measured in three groups of women; (1) pregnant women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)(n=43); (2) pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies (n=11) and (3) non-pregnant women (n=11). Plasma Cu, Zn and Mg levels were measured by atomic absorbtion spectrophotometer. We determined that plasma Zn and Mg levels were lower in patients with HG and significant differences were noted between the control groups and HG patients (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). We still need further large cohort studies in order to understand if this is the cause or consequence of hyperemesis gravidarum.