Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
13:04
Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
First trimester serum zinc concentrations in human pregnancy
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|December 1, 1983
Summary
First-trimester serum zinc levels fluctuate significantly during early human pregnancy. These zinc variations are not linked to diet or diabetes but may indicate a risk for spontaneous abortion.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Human Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Serum zinc is crucial for physiological processes.
- Understanding zinc dynamics during early pregnancy is vital for maternal and fetal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely determine serum zinc concentrations during the first trimester of human pregnancy.
- To investigate potential correlations between zinc levels and factors like diet, supplement use, and pregnancy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- 106 women with accurately determined conception dates (basal body temperature, hCG).
- Serum zinc analyzed via atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
- Data analyzed in 20-day postovulatory intervals.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in mean serum zinc concentrations were observed across different postovulatory intervals (p < 0.01).
- No significant differences in zinc levels were found between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects.
- Seven of 25 women experiencing spontaneous abortion had lower-than-average serum zinc levels.
Conclusions:
- First-trimester serum zinc levels exhibit significant temporal fluctuations.
- Diet, supplement use, and hematocrit did not explain these zinc variations.
- Lower serum zinc may be associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion.
