IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science (IOSR-JNHS) e-ISSN: 2320–1959.p- ISSN: 2320–1940 Volume 1, Issue 6 (Jul – Aug 2013), PP 22-25 www.iosrjournals.org www.iosrjournals.org 22 | Page Effect of Zinc deficiency on Growth and Morbidity in infants 1 Megha Sharma, 2 Prof. Sunita Mishra 1. Research Scholar, 2. Dean & Head 1 Department of Human Development & Family Studies, School for Home Science, 2 Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University) Lucknow, India Abstract: Micro nutrients deficiency is a major problem in women of reproductive age and one of the most important micro nutrient deficiencies in many developing countries is Zinc deficiency. It is estimated that 82% of all pregnant women in the world have Zinc deficiency. Zinc is an important micro nutrient in fetal growth and development. The role of Zinc in pregnancy outcomes has been studied in past few decades and it was observed that serum level of zinc during and prior to pregnancy is crucial for health of mother, growth and development of fetus and optimal pregnancy outcomes. Low serum zinc status of mother is associated with growth retardation, poor congenital development, low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, abnormalities in gene replication, protein and DNA synthesis and also in translation and transcription of DNA. So it has many important roles in gestational and fetal life. The objective of this paper is to review the relationship of maternal serum zinc status and their newborns growth and development and to evaluate the public health importance of maternal zinc status since it is related to the fetal growth and development, health of mother and infants and complications of pregnancy, labor and delivery. Key words: Micronutrients, congenital, replication, translation, transcription, DNA, synthesis. I. Introduction Zinc is an essential micronutrient, present naturally in some foods and also available as a dietary supplement. It involves in various activities of cellular metabolism and required for catalytic activity of approximately 100 enzymes (1) and play a vital role in immune function (2) and cell division (3). It is reported to support normal growth and development of fetus during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence (4). Pregnant women are at increased risk of developing zinc deficiency due to high fetal demand for zinc and likely to suffer health consequences due to zinc deficiency (5,6) Dietary recommendations of Zinc- WHO has recommended that women should absorb 3 mg of elemental zinc / day, which will converts in to an intake of 15 mg/ day, assuming a bio availability of 20 %. Studies showed that dietary intake of zinc by pregnant women in many developing countries was 8- 14mg/ day (6.2-7 mg/day in Malawian and Brazilian women, United Kingdom 8-14 mg/day ), which is below the recommendation for pregnant women that is 15 mg/ day. In adults normal level of serum zinc is considered to be between 10.7-15.3 µmol/litre.(7) Bioavailability of zinc in the diet is influenced by the food sources as well as other components of the diet that inhibit or promote absorption of zinc in the body. The primary inhibitor of zinc absorption is phytic acid ,present naturally in staple food- cereals, corn and rice. Risk of Zinc deficiency- Zinc deficiency usually occurs due to inadequate zinc intake or absorption, increased losses of zinc from the body and increased requirements for zinc. All these conditions are obvious to pregnant women. Hence It is most common to the pregnant women. Pregnant women are more susceptible to zinc deficiency, particularly in 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters. It is so because of increased volume of blood, poor bio- absorption and intake of zinc.(8). It is also associated with iron deficiency anemia. II. Effects of zinc deficiency on growth and birth weight in LBW and preterm infants Many observational studies (many in developing countries) showed an association between zinc deficiency and low birth weight.(9) Maternal serum zinc status during pregnancy directly effects fetal growth and infants birth weight. It influence infants growth and morbidity beyond the neonatal period due to its effects on intra uterine growth and development of immune system.(10) It is estimated that in less developed countries where diets low in zinc, are likely to results in zinc deficiency and where the prevalence of low birth weight is high , maternal zinc supplementation showed higher beneficial effects on pregnancy outcomes. Zinc deficiency during pregnancy could retard fetal growth due to its effects on development of body’s immune system. It regulates IGF-1(Immuno globulin F-1) activity in the formation of osteoblast (bone cells) and regulates bone growth.(11) There are about 100 specific enzymes and many hormones which require zinc during pregnancy to play a specific role in growth pathway, especially in last trimester (12) e.g. placental alkaline phasphatase, stimulating DNA synthesis and cell proliferation.(13)