PLASMA ZINC LEVEL IN LACTATING WOMEN: ISFAHAN – 2001
Abstract
Introduction. Zinc is an important trace mineral for human health specially in children. The zinc of nursing mothers affects on their milk and so health of their childs. This study assesses the serum zinc level in lactating women of Isfahan city.
Methods. In a cross sectional study, 100 lactating women who were sited under care of Isfahan rural and urban health centers were selected by multistage cluster and simple random sampling. The food recall questionnair was completed and 10 ml blood sample was obtained from each subject. Serum zinc level was measered by atomic absorption.
Results. Mean age of participants was 24.7 ± 4.9 years. Mean zinc concentration was 70.4±8.01 µg/dl. About 63 percent of subjects had serum zinc level less than 75 µg/dl (significant zinc deficiency) and of this group 19/1 percent had severe zinc deficiency (less than 60 µg/dl). The mean of serum zinc level by BMI (< 20, 20-25, > 25) were 63.1, 70 and 75.7 (P < 0.0001). In person s that eat more frequency of meat and dairy products weekly, zinc levels were more than others (P < 0.01).
Discussion. Zinc deficiency was common problem in lactating women of Isfahsn and this have harm effects on their childrens. Zinc deiifciency in children is one of causes responsible for growth retardation, suscebtibility to infections and learning disabilities. The nutrition of our people aren"t sufficient for lactating women"s needs. Other data indicated for zinc deficiency of soils. Planning such as fortification of soils, subside to meat the important source of zinc and using of zinc supplements for lactating women and other high risk groups must be done by responsible structures.
Methods. In a cross sectional study, 100 lactating women who were sited under care of Isfahan rural and urban health centers were selected by multistage cluster and simple random sampling. The food recall questionnair was completed and 10 ml blood sample was obtained from each subject. Serum zinc level was measered by atomic absorption.
Results. Mean age of participants was 24.7 ± 4.9 years. Mean zinc concentration was 70.4±8.01 µg/dl. About 63 percent of subjects had serum zinc level less than 75 µg/dl (significant zinc deficiency) and of this group 19/1 percent had severe zinc deficiency (less than 60 µg/dl). The mean of serum zinc level by BMI (< 20, 20-25, > 25) were 63.1, 70 and 75.7 (P < 0.0001). In person s that eat more frequency of meat and dairy products weekly, zinc levels were more than others (P < 0.01).
Discussion. Zinc deficiency was common problem in lactating women of Isfahsn and this have harm effects on their childrens. Zinc deiifciency in children is one of causes responsible for growth retardation, suscebtibility to infections and learning disabilities. The nutrition of our people aren"t sufficient for lactating women"s needs. Other data indicated for zinc deficiency of soils. Planning such as fortification of soils, subside to meat the important source of zinc and using of zinc supplements for lactating women and other high risk groups must be done by responsible structures.
Keywords
Zinc, Zinc Deficiency, Lactating Women, BMI (body mass index), Meat, Isfahan