Maternal and cord blood serum levels of zinc, copper, and iron in healthy pregnant Jordanian women

Altered plasma levels of zinc, copper, and iron during pregnancy are known to have profound effects on pregnant women and their neonates. The status of these elements is not known in pregnant women in Jordan. During the three trimesters of pregnancy, blood specimens were collected from 186 healthy pregnant women aged 17-45 years and from cord blood of 92 of their neonates. The mean neonatal birth weight was 3.34 +/- 0.44 kg. Maternal and cord blood serum levels of zinc, copper, and iron were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and hemoglobin concentration was deter-mined by hematology cell counter. The results indicate significantly lower serum zinc levels and higher copper and iron levels in cord blood than in maternal blood. During the three trimesters of pregnancy, the serum levels of zinc and copper significantly decreased and increased, respectively, whereas the levels of serum iron were unchanged. Significant positive correlation was observed only between zinc levels of cord blood and birth weight. During third trimester, the mean serum levels of zinc and iron were significantly lower in anemic pregnant women (group I: Hb less than 11.0 g/ dL, n = 36) than that in nonanemic pregnant women (group-II: Hb > or = 11.0 g/dL, n = 56). There was no noticeable difference between group I and group 11 regarding cord blood parameters on one hand and neonatal birth weight on the other hand. Similar significant positive correlation was observed between serum zinc levels of cord blood and birth weight in both groups. These results indicate that Jordanian women during pregnancy follow a well-balanced and adequate diet regime.