Plasma copper and zinc among pregnant women in Abakaliki, southeastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional deficiencies of essential trace elements which are common during pregnancy, especially in economically weaker populations are associated with adverse course and outcomes of pregnancy. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and causes of copper and zinc deficiencies in a population of pregnant Nigerians living in Abakaliki, south eastern, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma copper and zinc concentrations of 349 apparently healthy pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki between July 2007 and September, 2008 were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Of the 349 pregnant women, 45.8% and 58.2% respectively were deficient in zinc and copper with mean plasma concentrations of 2.65 ˇ˝ 1.16ˇ˝mol/l for zinc and 3.26 ˇ˝ 1.80 ˇ˝mol/l for copper while 23.8% were deficient in both copper and zinc. Frequent intakes of carbohydrate- and cereal-based food, and sparingly intakes of meat, diary products, nuts and vegetables were associated with high prevalence of copper and zinc deficiency. Although higher levels of copper and zinc were found in economically advantaged groups and plasma zinc inversely related to parity, copper level was found to be higher in women who have had more deliveries. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of copper and zinc deficiencies was found among the pregnant women in this region, which is possibly related to sub-optimal dietary intakes. In the light of the adverse effects of copper and zinc deficiencies on pregnancy and its outcomes, it is recommended that in addition to food diversification and biofortification, supplemental copper and zinc may be considered as ways of improving child and maternal health in this population.