A study of micronutrient status in pregnancy

The present study was performed, to analyse the inter-relationship among trace elements: Iron, copper and zinc in pregnancy. Eighty-four pregnant women were compared with 30 age matched nonpregnant healthy controls. Fasting blood samples were analysed for heamoglobin, iron, copper and zinc. On the basis of Hb concentration (<10g/dl) and iron levels(<50microg/dl), the pregnant women were sub-grouped as anaemic, non-anaemic, Iron deficient anaemic and non-iron deficient anaemic. The level of copper was found to be significantly higher in iron deficiency anaemia, when compared to non-iron deficiency anaemia (p<0.05), and in non-anaemic pregnant women, compared to non-anaemic non-pregnant women (controls).The level of zinc is also significantly lower in Iron deficiency anaemic pregnancy, when compared to the other groups. There is evidence of influence of pregnancy, on the level of trace elements in blood. This could be a result of competitive inhibition in the absorption of trace elements in the intestine, or an effect of hormonal changes (insulin, oestrogen), during pregnancy. A judicious supplementation of micronutrients, during pregnancy, especially in iron deficiency anaemia, is essential.