Trace element metabolism in human pregnancy.

Armstrong, Julie

Abstract

The aims of this study were: i. to investigate the dietary intake of the essential trace elements, zinc and copper during pregnancy, ii. to assess the possible effects of these intakes on the outcome of pregnancy. iii. to study the absorption and retention of zinc, copper and manganese in normal primigravidae and those at risk of delivering small, light infants. Intakes of zinc and copper were calculated from weighed dietary surveys using food composition tables and the validity of these tables to calculate dietary nitrogen, zinc and copper was assessed by comparing analysed and calculated values. To investigate the effect of pregnancy on the absorption and retention of zinc, copper and manganese, metabolic balance studies were conducted on pregnant and non-pregnant women. Dietary intakes of zinc were less than the recommended level (U.S. Nat. Acad. Sci 1980). Zinc intake correlated with protein intake. Dietary copper intakes were lower than levels previously reported and less than the 'safe and adequate intake' (U.S. Nat. Acad. Sci. 1980). Dietary intakes of zinc and copper were not significantly different between a group of women who delivered small, light infants and those who delivered normal healthy infants. These recent findings suggest the U.S. Nat. Acad. Sci. recommended dietary intake for zinc during pregnancy maybe over estimated and therefore require reviewal and reassessment. Zinc and copper were retained in normal primigravidae during the third trimester; this may be related to the concomitant increase in fetal and maternal weight. Zinc and copper balance were negative in the primigravidae at risk of delivering small, light infants. This requires further investigation. Net intestinal losses of manganese was apparent in all groups of pregnant women.

Citation

ARMSTRONG, J. 1984. Trace element metabolism in human pregnancy. Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology, MPhil thesis. Hosted on OpenAIR [online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-1993260

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 24, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 24, 2024
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-1993260
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1993260
• Award Date: Dec 31, 1984