Serum zinc changes due to iron supplementation in teen-age pregnancy.
Serum zinc and iron concentrations in a group of pregnant teen-agers supplemented with a multivitamin were compared during pregnancy with a group supplemented with a multivitamin containing 18 mg Fe. Serum measurements were at 13 wk of gestational age (prestudy) and during supplementation at 20, 32, and 38 wk, delivery, and 4 and 12 wk postpartum. Hematocrit measurements were used to adjust the measured metal concentrations for the diluting effect of the normal blood-volume increase. The non-Fe-group mean, adjusted serum Zn concentrations showed no change, but the serum Fe decreased to 28% below prestudy concentrations at 38 wk. In contrast, the Fe-supplementation group showed a progressive increase in Fe concentrations to a maximum of 38% above prestudy concentrations at 4 wk postpartum and a 35% decrease from prestudy Zn concentrations during the third trimester. The results of this study suggest that 18 mg Fe/d is adequate supplementation for nonanemic teen-age pregnancy and depresses the serum Zn concentration.
Dawson
E B
EB
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
Albers
J
J
McGanity
W J
WJ
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D011295:Prenatal Care; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood*
D014815:Vitamins; D007501:Iron; D015032:Zinc