Randomized controlled trial of prenatal zinc supplementation and the development of fetal heart rate.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to evaluate whether prenatal zinc supplementation affects maturation of fetal cardiac patterns.


METHODS
A randomized double-blind controlled trial among 242 low-income Peruvian women was performed. Beginning at 10 to 16 weeks' gestation, women received supplements containing 60 mg iron, 250 microg folic acid with or without 25 mg zinc. Fetal heart rate (mean FHR, variability [HRV], number of accelerations) and movements (number and amplitude of movement bouts, time spent moving) were electronically monitored monthly from 20 weeks' gestation. Developmental trends were evaluated by supplement type among 195 women who completed the trial and had no serious complications of pregnancy.


RESULTS
Zinc supplementation was associated with lower FHR, greater number of accelerations, and greater HRV. Supplementation effects on HRV and accelerations were more pronounced after 28 weeks' gestation. No differences in motor activity were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Prenatal supplementation of zinc-deficient mothers may be beneficial to fetal neurobehavioral development.
Merialdi
Mario
M
Center for Human Nutrition, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Caulfield
Laura E
LE
Zavaleta
Nelly
N
Figueroa
Alberto
A
Dominici
Francesca
F
Dipietro
Janet A
JA
D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005324:Fetal Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D009420:Nervous System / Q000196:embryology; D011247:Pregnancy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000172:deficiency
D015032:Zinc