Main Article Content
Mineral changes in pregnant women in Nnewi, Anambra State
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the plasma levels of trace elements (zinc, copper magnesium and selenium) in pregnant women and their changes in
various stages of pregnancy.
Subjects and Methods: A total of 66 apparently healthy pregnant women aged between 19-38years were enrolled for the study. The objectives
of the study were explained to all participants and their informed consent obtained. Plasma levels of zinc, copper, magnesium and selenium were
evaluated at different gestational ages (20 in the first trimester, 26 in the second trimester and 20 in the third trimesters of pregnancy). Ten out of
the twenty subjects that were enrolled in the first trimester were followed up in their third trimester. Also, 10 out of the 26 subjects that were
enrolled in the second were followed up in their third trimester, and their results were compared with that of a control group of 35 non pregnant
women of similar age who were not on oral contraceptives.
Data were analysed using the student t test and by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Result: The levels of magnesium, copper, and zinc were significantly lower in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women (0.79 ±0.02 vs 0.95
± 0.01(mmol/l), 16.30 ± 0.40 vs 18.78 ± 0.14, and 17.72 ±0.65 vs 21.02 ± 0.34 (umol/l), respectively p<0.05) but a higher level of selenium
(8.68 ±0.38 vs 6.38 ±0.15 umol/l) was observed in the pregnant women than in the control groups.
Conclusion: The result showed that mineral decrease (a reduced mineral level) occurs in pregnant women in Nnewi and could affect pregnancy
outcome
various stages of pregnancy.
Subjects and Methods: A total of 66 apparently healthy pregnant women aged between 19-38years were enrolled for the study. The objectives
of the study were explained to all participants and their informed consent obtained. Plasma levels of zinc, copper, magnesium and selenium were
evaluated at different gestational ages (20 in the first trimester, 26 in the second trimester and 20 in the third trimesters of pregnancy). Ten out of
the twenty subjects that were enrolled in the first trimester were followed up in their third trimester. Also, 10 out of the 26 subjects that were
enrolled in the second were followed up in their third trimester, and their results were compared with that of a control group of 35 non pregnant
women of similar age who were not on oral contraceptives.
Data were analysed using the student t test and by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Result: The levels of magnesium, copper, and zinc were significantly lower in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women (0.79 ±0.02 vs 0.95
± 0.01(mmol/l), 16.30 ± 0.40 vs 18.78 ± 0.14, and 17.72 ±0.65 vs 21.02 ± 0.34 (umol/l), respectively p<0.05) but a higher level of selenium
(8.68 ±0.38 vs 6.38 ±0.15 umol/l) was observed in the pregnant women than in the control groups.
Conclusion: The result showed that mineral decrease (a reduced mineral level) occurs in pregnant women in Nnewi and could affect pregnancy
outcome
