The Importance of Zinc during Pregnancy

Zinc is essential for the proper function of over a hundred differ­ent enzymes. It forms an integral part of the enzyme which inter­acts with the genetic code (DNA) to switch on a gene in response to hormone triggers. By switching on a gene, it initiates synthesis of the specific protein that gene codes for. Zinc is therefore vital in the development of your baby’s brain. It also forms part of an antioxidant enzyme system (cupric zinc superoxide dismutase) that is vital for protecting the brain from damage due to exposure to the metabolic chemicals and free radicals pro­duced during the rapid developmental process in the womb. This enzyme may provide some protection against cerebral palsy. There is some evidence that optimal zinc status is linked with a larger head circumference and lower risk of low birthweight – in fact, some researchers have been able accurately to predict a baby’s birthweight and head circumference simply by analysing placental content of zinc. Zinc is also important for general growth, sexual maturity, wound healing and immune function. Although your zinc requirements steadily increase through-it pregnancy, zinc deficiency is common. It is linked with many congenital defects of the brain and spinal cord, including mental retardation and learning difficulties. Zinc is needed during the metabolism of essential fatty acids, and zinc deficiency makes the effects of lack of essential fatty acids worse. Lack of zinc also increases the risk of miscarriage, pre-eclamp­sia, anaemia, preterm delivery, congenital defects and difficult delivery due to inefficient contractions during labour. Babies born to mothers with low zinc levels are more likely to have learning difficulties.

Taking a daily zinc supplement during pregnancy boosts infant weight and increases head circumference – a direct indication of an increase in brain size.

Recent research has shown that babies given low-dose zinc supplements after birth grew significantly faster than babies fed normally. This difference was mainly noted in boys. The authors of this research concluded that infants breastfed for more than 4 months may show a slower rate of growth due to zinc deficiency. Other studies have suggested that zinc increases the size of the penis and testis in growing boys.

Zinc supplements seem to reduce some of the central nervous system effects of excess alcohol during pregnancy which are associated with developmental delay and intellectual impair­ment. It seems to help reduce the malformation of synapses between brain cells which are caused by excess alcohol.

How Much You Need

The US National Research Council recommends a daily intake of 12 mg zinc for non-pregnant women, 15 mg per day during pregnancy and up to 19 mg per day during lactation. The UK RNI is only 7 mg, but recommends an extra 6 mg during preg­nancy and 2.5 mg when breastfeeding. The EC RDA is 15 mg per day for adults. Studies show that most pregnant women obtain less dietary zinc than recommended and that maternal blood zinc levels fall by around 30 per cent during pregnancy. Your baby’s zinc levels are usually double your own. Maternal zinc levels are significantly lower in mothers who have low birth­weight babies. Some researchers feel that zinc supplements are essential during pregnancy.

One of the earliest symptoms of zinc deficiency is loss of taste sensation. This can be tested for by obtaining a solution of zinc sulphate (5 mg/5 ml) from a pharmacy. Swirl a teaspoonful in your mouth. If the solution seems tasteless, zinc deficiency is likely. If the solution tastes furry, of minerals or slightly sweet, zinc levels are borderline. If it tastes strongly unpleasant, zinc levels are normal.

Good Dietary Sources

- red meat

- offal

- brewer’s yeast

- wholegrains

- pulses

- eggs

- cheese

Food processing removes most mineral zinc from foods.

Potential Problems

Soya products and foods rich in iron reduce the absorption of zinc from the intestines. They are best avoided within 2 hours of taking zinc supplements.

Lack of zinc is linked with increased risk of miscarriage, pre­eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy), anaemia, abnormally prolonged pregnancy and difficulty during delivery.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 at 10:02 pm and is filed under Pregnancy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.