Analysis of zinc (serum, plasma erythrocyte, and hair zinc) and its relation to nutrition in pregnant Turkish women: A review of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies

Three different studies evaluating serum, plasma, and hair zinc concentrations were conducted in 487 Turkish women (355 being pregnant, 132 control). Zinc (Zn) levels were measured by atomic absorption sprectrophotometry. The pregnant women were divided into two subgroups as "poorly nourished" and "well nourished" on the basis of nutrition and socioeconomic status in each study. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies revealed that a moderate Zn deficiency exists in "poorly nourished" pregnant Turkish women. Therefore, results of these studies suggest that zinc supplementation is required for the pregnant women in Turkey. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 13:63-71, 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.