title: Copper and selenium status of healthy pregnant women in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Copper and selenium are important trace elements in man. They function as antioxidants and play roles in oxido-reductase reactions. Several imported multivitamin preparations are given to our women during pregnancy and lactation to correct possible deficiencies.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study is to determine the serum level of these micronutrients (selenium and copper) in a cross section of pregnant women in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross section of 130 healthy pregnant women at different trimesters of pregnancy and 30 non-pregnant controls were selected from two health facilities in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria. Serum from the samples collected was assayed for copper and selenium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean copper level increased (P = 0.018), while the selenium level decreased (P < 0.0001) as pregnancy advanced.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High copper levels indicate that supplementation should not be undertaken during normal pregnancy. Dietary intake should be modified to ensure optimal selenium levels during pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology/Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus, Nigeria. uchenwagha@yahoo.com
authors.forename: U I
authors.initials: UI
authors.lastname: Nwagha
authors.forename: S O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Ogbodo
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Nwogu-Ikojo
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Ibegbu
authors.forename: F E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Ejezie
authors.forename: T U
authors.initials: TU
authors.lastname: Nwagha
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Dim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003300:Copper / Q000097:blood*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D011247:Pregnancy; D011264:Pregnancy Trimesters; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012643:Selenium / Q000097:blood*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000097:blood*; D055815:Young Adult; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D014131:Trace Elements; D003300:Copper; D012643:Selenium; D015032:Zinc