SUPPLEMENTATION WITH IRON AND FOLATES DURING PREGNANCY - INFLUENCE ONMATERNAL ZINC STATUS AND ZINC CONTENT OF MATERNAL MILK

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether su ch supplementation impairs the zinc status of pregnant women or the zi nc content of maternal milk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty seven women w ere studied during pregnancy and lactation. Zinc, iron and folate inta kes were monitored during the third trimester of pregnancy using a fiv e day food record and by registering intake of the same in the form of dietary supplements. Zinc levels were determined; using flame-atomic- absorption spectrophotometry, in serum during the third trimester of p regnancy, in transition milk (days 13-14 of lactation), and in mature milk (day 40 of lactation). RESULTS: 1.8% Of pregnant women took zinc supplements whilst 7% took folate supplements. However, 100% of subjec ts showed zinc intakes (the sum of dietary and supplementary intakes) lower than those recommended. 87.7% showed the same for folate intake. 29.8% of pregnant women took iron supplements, When dietary and suppl ementary intakes were added, 26.3% of subjects showed iron intakes of over 200% of those recommended. Pregnant women with iron intakes in th e thrid trimester of pregnancy of over 200% those recommended, showed lower serum zinc levels during the third trimester and, at a later dat e, lower mature milk zinc levels than did subjects with lower iron int akes. CONCLUSIONS: The combined dietary and supplementary intake of ir on in some subjects provided total intakes of over 200% those recommen ded. Though this might be associated with an improvement in iron statu s it may impair those of zinc. Subjects with an intake of iron of over 200% of that recommended showed significantly lower serum and mature milk zinc levels than did those with lower iron intakes. It is suggest ed that the nutritional status of pregnant women should be carefully m onitored and supplementation tailored to the needs of each individual.