Relationship between Zinc deficiency in pregnancy and infant anthropometric indicators

Abstract Introduction: Minerals and trace elements like zinc have a significant effect on the growth and development of the fetus and newborn. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between zinc deficiency during pregnancy and neonatal anthropometric indicators. Materials & Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study and done on the women admitted for delivery in Ahvaz Imam Khomeini hospital. Sampling was available.120 women who had all Characteristics of the study were enrolled. The data was collected by Questionnaires and information lists, spectrophotometer, centrifuge, balance and centimeter. The collected data was analyzed with statistic T absolute, Squire and SPSS 17 software. Results: The mean serum zinc level in mothers was 76.57 mg/dl. Average weight, length and head circumference at birth in infants of mothers with normal serum zinc level respectively: 3229 g, 50.32 cm, 34.73 cm and in the group with abnormal serum zinc level: 3092.17 g, 50.10 cm, 34.48 cm. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that only birth weight has been associated with serum zinc level in maternal (p=00.7). Keywords: Anthropometry, Pregnant woman, Zinc.