Factors Influencing Serum Zinc Levels Of Pregnant Women

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for human health. Its numerous structural and biochemical functions at the cellular and sub cellular level makes it very important during pregnancy. Maternal serum Zinc levels at the time of conception and in pregnancy plays a major role in maternal and child health. It is an important determinant of foetal growth and development. Despite availability of data to demonstrate widespread micronutrient deficiency in pregnancy, minimal studies have examined the status of zinc among pregnant women. This study sought to assess dietary, socio economic and demographic factors affecting serum zinc levels of pregnant women at Naivasha level 4 hospital in Kenya and the results are discussed herein.