High Zinc Deficiency Linked to Increased Risk of Preterm Birth in Iraq

This study investigates the relationship between maternal blood zinc levels and preterm birth outcomes. Recognizing that zinc deficiencies in pregnant women correlate with various pregnancy complications, this research aimed to clarify zinc's impact on preterm delivery. Using a case-control design, zinc levels were measured via spectrophotometry in 138 pregnant women, including 76 who delivered prematurely and 62 who delivered at term, at Abi Ghraib General Hospital from February 2018 to September 2019. Results indicated a significantly lower average blood zinc concentration in the preterm group (39.62 µg/dL) compared to the term group (59.81 µg/dL) (P < 0.001). Additionally, women experiencing membrane rupture had lower zinc levels (43.06 µg/dL) than those who did not (50.46 µg/dL) (P = 0.01). No significant correlation was found between zinc levels and parity (P = 0.634). The study highlights the critical prevalence of zinc deficiency among expectant mothers and suggests that addressing micronutrient deficiencies through targeted nutritional interventions could improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.