The effect of zinc supplementation in delayed preterm delivery and biometric of neonates suspected with preterm delivery in mothers suspected of having a preterm delivery

Micronutrient deficiency in women of reproductive age is considered as a major health problem in many developing countries. Therefore, it is important to prevent micronutrient shortage before pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation on delaying preterm delivery and biometric neonates with suspected preterm birth.

In this semi-experimental study, 140 women with preterm delivery were selected by a gynecologist in the Hajar hospital of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2016. The women were divided into four groups. Then, the serum Zn level of the mother’s blood and the umbilical cord was measured First group had a normal level; Zn level in the second group was between 50-70 mg/dL; in the third group between 20-50 mg/dL; and in the fourth group fewer than 20 mg/dL. Three groups received <20-70 mg/dL oral Zn and the normal group was given a placebo. Next, the serum Zn levels of mothers were measured and recorded at the end of the eighth month and delivery time. Infant anthropometric parameters at birth, 1 month to 3 months were measured as well. Overall, 71 (50%) and 69 (49.3%) infants were males and females, respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analytical statistics tests.

The average age of 140 pregnant women was 30.39±5.33 years old and their age range was between 18 and 41 years. In addition, the maternal Zn serum level was 56.52±33.38 mg/dL on admission and the serum level on the cord blood at birth was 53.22 ± 66.94 μg/ dL. A significant relationship was reported between the level of serum Zn on cord blood and the maternal serum Zn level on admission with growth in babies at birth and the first, second, and third month (P<0.05).

In general, Zn is effective in children’s growth and the use of Zn supplementation can be suggested during pregnancy.