Serum Concentration of Trace Elements (Fe, Cu and Zn) in Unmarried, Pregnant and Lactating Females in Rural and Urban Areas of Sargodha, Pakistan

Author(s) : Rizwana Noor, Shazia Shamas, Madeeha Arshad, Naila Amjad, Afifa Asif, Taqi Shah, Hafiza Asifa Rani, Aleem Ahmad, Raima Maryam

Abstract:

The study was carried out to estimate trace elements (i.e. Fe, Cu and Zn) in blood of unmarried, pregnant and lactating females of district Sargodha and its tehsil Kot Momin. Total 1000 healthy women (age between 20-35 years) were interviewed from rural and urban areas and out of them, 150 females were randomly selected and divided into three groups (unmarried, lactating and pregnant) for clinical examination of Fe, Zn and Cu levels. The selected women were clinically tested and their data was collected and statistically analyzed. Results showed significant differences among three categories of females and females from different areas. Results show that iron concentration in serum decreases as pregnancy progress, especially in 3rd trimester. Copper level in the serum of pregnant females was also significantly higher as compared to lactating and unmarried females. Zinc levels in the serum of pregnant females were higher for both areas as well. Furthermore, trace elements concentrations in the serum of females of urban areas were significantly higher as compared to rural area. Also, zinc and copper level decreased as lactation period progress while iron fairly remains unchanged. Selected parameters such as age group, occupation, smoking, diabetes, blood pressure, menstrual cycle and blood groups were also observed in all groups and wide variation was found among them. In conclusion, females have to follow healthy lifestyle, take diet rich in these trace elements which can aid in maintaining adequate and balanced amount of iron, zinc and copper, to overcome the adverse effects of their deficiency.