Levels of Serum Micronutrient Deficit Concentrations in Pregnant Women from Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Research Article

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this research were to determine the micronutrients deficient in the sera of pregnant women in Kisangani, and the profile of these women with deficient status.
Methods: We had conducted a cross-sectional study with a prospective data collection in 8 health structures in the city of Kisangani in non-pregnant and pregnant women from October 05, 2023, to January 05, 2024. Statistical data analysis was done using R software version 4.3.0.
Results: The average age of the respondents was 26.3 ± 6.7 years. 52% of the pregnant women were housewives; The mean calcium and zinc in pregnant women were 1.49±0.29 mmol/L and 8.42±0.61 micromol/L. The selenium mode was 0.41 micromol/l. The micronutrients deficient were calcium (0.94-2.22 mmol/), selenium (0.31-0.78 micromol/l) and zinc (7.29-12.72 micromol/l).
Conclusion: Micronutrient deficiency during pregnancy remains a common problem in obstetrical practice in our settings. Most pregnant women live in precarious social conditions exposing them to the risk of nutritional deficiency and requiring dietary supplementation.