A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of zinc supplementation during pregnancy for the prevention of stunting: analysis of maternal serum zinc, cord blood osteocalcin and neonatal birth length

Abstract

<p><strong>Aim</strong> <br />To investigate the influence of zinc supplementation on pregnant women for the prevention of stunting through an analysis<br />of maternal serum zinc, cord blood osteocalcin and neonatal birth length.<br /><strong>Methods</strong> <br />This study was conducted with pre-test/post-test control groups and double-blind randomization. Patients were pregnant<br />mothers in second or third trimester and with their newborns who met the inclusion criteria. A total of 71 pregnant mothers and their newborns completed this study. They were divided into two groups of 35 and 36 patients, the supplementation (20 mg/day) and placebo groups, respectively for 12 weeks. The parameters assessed were maternal serum zinc levels, cord blood osteocalcin and birth length measurements.<br /><strong>Results</strong> <br />The mean maternal serum zinc level was 54.6±8.7 µg/dL from 71 patients. The mean maternal serum zinc levels after zinc<br />supplementation were significantly higher than those of the placebo group: 55.1±9.9 to 59.1±8.6) μg/dL (p=0.017) and 54.2±7.5 to 50±8.6 μg/dL (p=0.001), respectively. The comparison of mean cord blood osteocalcin levels and median neonatal birth lengths in the supplementation group was higher than in the placebo group: 131.8±35.3 vs 90.6±35.4 ng/ml (p=0.001) and 49.3 (46.5-51.3) vs 48.3 (46-50.8) cm (p=0.004), respectively. Maternal serum zinc levels after zinc supplementation had a positive significant correlation with cord blood osteocalcin and neonatal birth length: r=0.434<br />(p=0.001) and r=0.597 (p=0.001), respectively.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong> <br />There was a significant correlation of maternal serum zinc with cord blood osteocalcin and neonatal birth length after<br />zinc supplementation. </p>