DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i06.135

Pages: 3525-3529

Introduction: Zinc is an essential element for the body. Zinc deficiency poses a significant health risk, particularly for pregnant women and newborns. Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the outcome of low zinc levels during pregnancy on newborn babies. Methodology: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at BSMMU from January 2012 to December 2013. Blood samples were collected from low birth weight (LBW) neonates (including both preterm and term IUGR) and from healthy term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates, along with their mothers. Zinc levels were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: A total of 115 newborns with a birth weight under 2.5 kg were classified as low birth weight (LBW), while 135 newborns over 2.5 kg were categorised as AGA. LBW neonates had a lower mean zinc level (83.55 ± 16.64 µg/dL) than AGA newborns (93.74 ± 19.95 µg/dL), with a p-value under 0.05. Mothers of LBW infants also showed lower zinc levels (66.02 ± 16.99 µg/dL) compared to those of AGA newborns (73.59 ± 28.46 µg/dL), also with a p-value under 0.05. Conclusions: The current study provided evidence for the outcome of zinc deficiency during pregnancy among neonates. Only zinc supplement intake cannot affect the birth weight. Other factors also have an impact on neonatal outcome.