Correlation of maternal zinc levels with term healthy breastfed newborn’s zinc levels and anthropometry: A prospective study

Background: Maternal zinc levels significantly influence fetal zinc status, as fetus is entirely dependent on maternal zinc transfer through placenta. After birth, zinc continues to play an essential role in growth and development.
Objectives: To assess the correlation between maternal serum zinc levels with that of term, healthy, exclusively breastfed newborns at birth, 6 weeks, and 14 weeks and infant weight.
Method: This was a prospective cohort study conducted over 2 years in the Department of Paediatrics at a tertiary centre in western Rajasthan, India. The study population included term healthy babies on exclusive breast feeding delivered in the hospital. Blood samples were taken from mothers just before delivery and cord blood sample was taken and further samples at 6 and 14 weeks. Serum zinc levels were determined using a direct colorimetric method. Infant anthropometric parameters were taken at birth, 6 weeks and 14 weeks and were correlated with zinc levels.
Results: A total of 100 pair of mothers and their term healthy babies was included in the study. There was a positive correlation between maternal zinc levels and baby’s zinc levels at birth, 6 weeks and 14 weeks. We also found strong positive correlation between maternal zinc levels and infant weight gain and anthropometry during first 14 weeks of life in breastfed babies.  
Conclusions: A strong positive correlation was found between maternal zinc levels and baby’s zinc levels at birth, 6 weeks and 14 weeks. There was also a strong positive correlation between maternal zinc levels and infant weight gain and anthropometry during first 14 weeks of life.