Maternal Zinc deficiency and low birth weight infant

Introduction: Micronutrient deficiency is one of the most prevalent nutritional problems all over the world, especially in the developing countries. Zinc is an essential trace element that has an important role in normal and healthy life. Zinc deficiency is a prevalent public health problem in Iran. Zinc deficiency may cause increased risk of infectious and chronic diseases. Maternal and child are more at risk for zinc deficiency. Severe zinc deficiency in mothers may cause spontaneous abortion and congenital malformation (e.g. anencephaly), while mild to moderate zinc deficiency may cause low birth weight. In developing countries most of mothers do not intake adequate zinc. Women , in particular pregnant women do not intake, basic food requirements from their diet due to their diet being characterized by staple foods (cereals and legumes) with little amount of food from animal sources or even vegetables and fruits. In developing countries, zinc deficiency is the most important causes of morbidity and mortality. However, in most developing countries reduction of infant mortality rate remains as a major public health problem.Methods: Databases including Pubmed, web of Science, Scopus and Cochran for clinical trials and systematic review studies from 1995 to 2018 were assessed. Zinc deficiency, pregnancy and low birth weight infant were used as key words.Result: Out of 190 articles 13 cases met the inclusion criteria for this study. The result of these studies showed that the effect of zinc supplementation on low birth weight is still contradictory, but researchers recommended zinc supplementation in areas with a prevalence of more than 20% zinc deficiency to improve zinc status.The UNICEF/UNU/WHO program, had suggested that 15 mg zinc supplementation for pregnant mothers. It was further suggested that in low and middle income countries the dose of zinc must be higher.Conclusion: The relationship between maternal zinc deficiency and low birth weight infant were established. According to previous studies zinc supplementation is necessary for Iranian pregnant mothers since they do not intake adequate zinc from their diet

کلیدواژه ها:

Low birth weight ، Pregnancy ، Zinc deficiency