Results of a study to detect the effects on neonates of copper and zinc deficiency during pregnancy

Conclusion Our study shows a link between malformation and zinc deficiency in mother, or copper deficiency in newborn, but this is not a direct relationship to levels under a certain limit. We know that the level of copper or zinc in serum is not a good index of trace element deficiencies, and is disturbed by hormonal changes. Zinc deficiencies may thus be transitory and the first months of pregnancy are most dangerous. Unfortunately in our study we would not have detected such a deficiency at the beginning of pregnancy.