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The need for maternal zinc supplementation in developing countries: an unresolved issue
Saskia J M Osendarp1, Clive E West, Robert E Black
1Division of Human Nutrition and Epidemiology, Wageningen University, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Nutrition
|March 4, 2003
Summary
Maternal zinc supplementation in less-developed countries shows promise for improving neonatal immunity and reducing infant infections. However, more research is needed to confirm benefits for other pregnancy outcomes and justify widespread use.
Area of Science:
- Maternal and Child Health
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Maternal zinc deficiency is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Previous zinc supplementation studies in pregnant women, primarily in industrialized nations, yielded inconclusive results.
- Limited research exists on zinc supplementation's effects in less-developed countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preliminary findings from randomized controlled trials on maternal zinc supplementation in less-developed countries.
- To assess the impact of zinc supplementation on various pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
- To inform the potential for large-scale zinc supplementation programs.
Main Methods:
- Review of preliminary data from eight randomized, controlled intervention trials.
- Evidence presented and discussed at a workshop in Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Focus on studies conducted in less-developed country settings.
Main Results:
- Preliminary data suggest maternal zinc supplementation benefits neonatal immune status, reduces early neonatal morbidity, and lowers infant infection rates.
- Conflicting evidence exists regarding labor/delivery complications, gestational age, maternal health, and fetal neurobehavioral development, necessitating further investigation.
- Current data do not support a positive effect of zinc supplementation on intrauterine growth.
Conclusions:
- Emerging evidence indicates a positive impact of zinc on specific pregnancy outcomes.
- Full results from ongoing studies are required to ascertain benefits.
- More research is essential before recommending large-scale zinc supplementation for pregnant women in less-developed countries.