TITLE:
Trace Element Concentrations in the Sera of Pregnant Women in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo
AUTHORS:
Likilo Osundja Jérémie, Komanda Likwekwe Emmanuel, Tshodi Bulanda Arsène, Juakali Sihalikyolo Jean-Jeannot, Buhendwa Mirindi Victor, Katenga Bosunga Gédéon
KEYWORDS:
Trace Element, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Calcium, Magnesium, Pregnant Woman, Serum, Kisangani
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.2,
February
14,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: During pregnancy, the increased demand for all the nutrients required for the development of the foetus means that the maternal stock of trace elements and minerals may become unbalanced if dietary intake fails to compensate. The aim of this research is to determine the status of trace elements (calcium, copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc) in pregnant women in the city of Kisangani. Methods: We carried out an analytical cross-sectional study of non-pregnant and pregnant women living in Kisangani, from 05 October 2023 to 05 January 2024. Concentrations of trace elements in sera were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS Agilent 7700X). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using R software version 4.3.0. Results: The mean age was 26.3 ± 6.7 years; the mean copper and magnesium levels in the serum of pregnant women were 12.58 ± 1.13 micromol/l and 1.03 ± 1.03 mmol/l respectively. The medians for calcium and zinc were 1.49 mmol/l and 8.42 micromol/l. The selenium mode was 0.41 micromol/l. Variations in trace element levels in sera of pregnant women were 0.94 - 2.22 mmol/l for calcium; 0.31 - 0.78 micromol/l for selenium; and 7.29 - 12.72 micromol/l for zinc; 11.04 - 14.99 micromol/l for copper, and 0.082 - 1.05 mmol/l for magnesium. Conclusion: Serum trace element concentrations in pregnant women were lower than those observed in non-pregnant women. Trace element reserves in pregnant women depended on their nutrient status prior to pregnancy, hence, there was an urgent need for trace element balance prior to pregnancy.