Comparison of iron, zinc and ferritin among the mothers of small for gestational age and appropriate for gestational age: a case control study
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate and compare the nutritional status of mothers of small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants by assessing dietary intake and biochemical parameters, including serum iron, ferritin, and zinc levels.
Methods: This case–control study was conducted from October 2020 to June 2021 in tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar, Pakistan. Eighty postnatal mothers (40 SGA; 40 AGA), aged 15–35 years with singleton pregnancies, were enrolled. Socio-demographic, socioeconomic, and reproductive data were collected using structured questionnaires. Dietary intake was assessed through 24-hour recall and analyzed using WinDiet® software adapted for local foods. Anthropometric measurements were recorded for BMI calculation. Hemoglobin, serum iron, ferritin, and zinc levels were measured using standardized laboratory techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results: Among 80 mothers (Mean age: 24.75±5.06 years), 40% had a normal BMI. Maternal age and BMI did not differ significantly between groups; however, SGA mothers were significantly shorter and had lower pregnancy weight gain and fewer antenatal visits (P <0.01). Anemia was present in 48.8% of mothers, with iron deficiency observed in 50% and zinc deficiency in 37.5%, but no significant differences in biochemical parameters were found between groups. Dietary analysis revealed significantly lower energy, macronutrient, mineral (iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, iodine), and vitamin intake among SGA mothers (P <0.05).
Conclusion: Although biochemical micronutrient levels were comparable, mothers of SGA infants had significantly poorer dietary intake. Maternal nutritional inadequacy may contribute to impaired fetal growth, emphasizing the need for strengthened antenatal nutritional interventions.
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