Hair concentrations of calcium, iron, and zinc in pregnant women and effects of supplementation

In this investigation, the concentration levels of hair elements of calcium , iron, and zinc were measured in pregnant women from Tianjin metropolis, C hina. The subjects were 93 cases of pregnant women who had been suffering f rom calcium, iron, or zinc deficiency judged by blood tests at the mid-term of the second trimester or early in the third trimester. Of these 93 cases , 82 subjects had their hair element levels measured when the blood tests w ere conducted. Then, they were supplied with mineral element nutrients of g luconic acidic zinc (noted as Zn-nutrient), gluconic acidic calcium (Ca-nut rient), or/and ferrous sulfate (Fe-nutrient) which were correspondent to th e deficient element(s) for more than 2 mo before 84 subjects returned to ho spital for further diagnoses and had their hair element levels measured for the second time. Finally, in the third trimester or near-parturient phase, 13 subjects had their hair element levels measured again. Except for the d eficiencies of calcium, iron, or/and zinc, these subjects were all healthy without symptoms of any diseases. The concentrations of hair Ca, Fe, and Zn were measured by X-ray fluorescen ce (XRF) spectrometry. These concentrations of the three hair elements meas ured at three different times were statistically analyzed. From the analyse s, it was clear that hair concentrations of Ca, Fe, and Zn could reflect th e effects of supplementation. Also, the mutual resistant effects among Ca-, Fe-, and Zn-nutrients were revealed. However, by appropriate combination, the mutual resistant effects could be depressed and mutual promotional effe cts might be enhanced. Finally, it could be concluded that mineral element deficiencies might be convalesced by adequate compensations of mineral elem ent nutrients.