A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of zinc supplementation during pregnancy for the prevention of stunting: analysis of maternal serum zinc, cord blood osteocalcin and neonatal birth length.

Aim To investigate the influence of zinc supplementation on pregnant women for the prevention of stunting through an analysis of maternal serum zinc, cord blood osteocalcin and neonatal birth length. Methods This study was conducted with pre-test/post-test control groups and double-blind randomization. Patients were pregnant mothers in second or third trimester and with their newborns who met the inclusion criteria. A total of 71 pregnant mothers and their newborns completed this study. They were divided into two groups of 35 and 36 patients, the supplementation (20 mg/day) and placebo groups, respectively for 12 weeks. The parameters assessed were maternal serum zinc levels, cord blood osteocalcin and birth length measurements. Results The mean maternal serum zinc level was 54.6±8.7 µg/dL from 71 patients. The mean maternal serum zinc levels after zinc supplementation were significantly higher than those of the placebo group: 55.1±9.9 to 59.1±8.6) μg/dL (p=0.017) and 54.2±7.5 to 50±8.6 μg/dL (p=0.001), respectively. The comparison of mean cord blood osteocalcin levels and median neonatal birth lengths in the supplementation group was higher than in the placebo group: 131.8±35.3 vs 90.6±35.4 ng/ml (p=0.001) and 49.3 (46.5-51.3) vs 48.3 (46-50.8) cm (p=0.004), respectively. Maternal serum zinc levels after zinc supplementation had a positive significant correlation with cord blood osteocalcin and neonatal birth length: r=0.434 (p=0.001) and r=0.597 (p=0.001), respectively. Conclusion There was a significant correlation of maternal serum zinc with cord blood osteocalcin and neonatal birth length after zinc supplementation.