Maternal antioxidant micronutrient deficiencies among pre-eclamptic women in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional analytical study

• Published in: Journal of international medical research 2023-11, Vol.51 (11), p.3000605231209159-3000605231209159
• Main Authors: Enebe, Joseph Tochukwu, Dim, Cyril Chukwudi, Omeke, Akudo Chidimma
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Preeclampsia; Pregnancy; Prospective Clinical Research Report; Trace elements
• ISSN: 0300-0605; 1473-2300
• DOI: 10.1177/03000605231209159

Objectives To determine the prevalence of antioxidant micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and healthy pregnant women, and to assess the relationships between trace element deficiency in pregnancy and the severity of pre-eclampsia in Enugu, Nigeria. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional analytical study of serum concentrations of copper, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese in 81 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and healthy pregnant women (controls) who were matched for age, gestational age, body mass index, and parity. This study was performed at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu. Participants’ sera were analyzed with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results Trace element deficiencies were common and similar between women with pre-eclampsia and controls. However, women with pre-eclampsia were more likely to be deficient in manganese than controls (odds ratio = 2.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.90–2.75). Among the micronutrients studied, only manganese concentrations were significantly lower in women without severe symptoms of pre-eclampsia than in those with severe symptoms of pre-eclampsia. Conclusions Micronutrient deficiency is common in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and in healthy pregnant women in Enugu, Nigeria. Only manganese deficiency is higher in women with pre-eclampsia than in healthy pregnant women.