MATERNAL ZINC INDEXES AND SMALL BABIES

Background. Maternal zinc deficiency has been reported to be associate d with foetal growth retardation, This study aimed to determine if zin c deficiency is associated with foetal growth retardation in south Ind ian women. Methods. A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the maternal zinc indices in those bearing small-for-gestational age babi es and in those with appropriate-for-gestational age babies. Zinc leve ls In plasma, red blood cells and white blood cells in both groups wer e assayed in 65 patients with small-for-gestational age babies (regard less of cause) and 51 women with appropriate-for-gestational age babie s. Results,There was no significant difference in the mean (50) plasma [67.5 (9) v, 70.67 (13.9)], red blood cell [47.26 (5.8) v. 45.69 (8.2 )] and white blood cell [55.61 (10.5) v, 54.77 (12.4)] zinc levels in mothers who gave birth to small-for-gestational age babies and those w ho delivered appropriate-for-gestational age babies, The presence of p redisposing factors for intrauterine growth retardation also did not i nfluence the maternal zinc levels, Conclusion, Maternal zinc levels we re not associated with intrauterine growth retardation in our populati on.