Frequency of low birth weight and its relationship with maternal serum zinc: a cross-sectional study

Fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity are connected to low birth weight (LBW), which is also associated with slow growth and cognitive development. Several factors, such as maternal nutrition, LBW deliveries, and additional dietary intake, contribute to pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to compare the maternal serum zinc levels between the LBW and normal birth weight neonates. Moreover, we will also determine the frequency of LBW in the local population.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from June 2021 to June 2022. Three hundred eighty-two gravid females with active labor (≥2 uterine contractions in 10 min) were enrolled in the study. Neonates at birth were weighed and divided into two groups: LBW and average or normal birth weight. Maternal serum zinc levels were performed by serum multi-element spectrometry (ICP-DRC-MS method). The data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Three hundred eighty-two patients enrolled in this study. The results showed the mean age of patients was 24.04±3.49 years, and the mean maternal zinc levels were found to be 75.32±13.80 μg/dl, respectively. Babies delivered at LBW had low maternal mean serum zinc levels (63.88±10.95 mg/dl) compared to babies with normal birth weight whose levels were comparatively high (83.83±8.57 mg/dl).

It can be concluded that maternal dietary factors and nutrition are essential during fetal development and have an important association with birth weight.Zinc supplementation and other minerals should be prioritized because they may increase these infants' birth weight. Increasing maternal zinc consumption has a significant positive linear relationship with infant birth weight.