HAIR ZINC AND DIETARY ZINC INTAKE DURING PREGNANCY AND PUERPERIUM

A longitudinal study of hair zinc concentration was carried out in 36 pregnant women at 12 and 36 weeks of gestation and 40 days postpartum. A progressive decrease in hair zinc concentration was noted through pregnancy; the decline between 12 and 36 weeks of gestation was statistically significant (P < 0.005) remaining without significant changes in the postpartum. Nutrient intakes were calculated from 3-day weighed food records at the same periods and at 20 weeks of gestation. Zinc, energy and protein intakes decreased during pregnancy. Mean zinc intake at 20 and 36 weeks of gestation was about 66% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) (9.8 and 10 mg, respectively) and about 52% of the RDA in the postpartum (9.8 mg). Although hair zinc levels do decline in pregnancy and zinc intake was lower than RDA, the study revealed that zinc nutriture was adequate for normal growth and development of fetus.