Maternal Zinc Status Linked to Early Infancy Weight and Length Outcomes

Zinc is an essential mineral needed for normal growth and development. However, previous research has produced mixed findings about whether a mother’s zinc status affects her child’s weight and length. In this study, exploring this question, researchers in northeast China followed nearly 300 mother-baby pairs from pregnancy through the babies’ first year.

The researchers measured zinc levels in women during their third trimester and then tracked their babies’ growth at birth, 6 months, and 12 months of age. About 30 percent of the mothers were found to be zinc deficient. Babies born to mothers with adequate zinc levels had slightly higher birth weights. At 6 months, these babies also tended to weigh more and be longer than those whose mothers had low zinc levels. In addition, babies of mothers with higher zinc levels grew faster in both weight and length during the first six months of life.

Overall, the findings suggest that good zinc status in late pregnancy may support healthy early growth, particularly in the first six months, without increasing the risk of excess weight gain.

To learn more about the importance and benefits of micronutrients during pregnancy, read parts one and two of the special pregnancy feature article on our website.