The effect of zinc supplementation on pregnancy outcomes: a double-blind, randomised controlled trial, Egypt.

The present randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to evaluate the effect of two regimens of Zn supplementation on pregnancy outcomes in Alexandria, Egypt. Healthy pregnant women aged 20–45 years and having low serum Zn level below the estimated median for the gestational age were eligible to participate in the trial. Of 1055 pregnant women assessed for the eligibility of low serum Zn level, 675 were eligible.

Zinc status and dietary intake of pregnant women, Alexandria, Egypt.

Background And Objectives: Deficiencies of protein, energy, and micronutrients are highly prevalent in developing countries and have major effects on pregnancy outcome. Low dietary intake is the most common reason for zinc deficiency. The present research is part of a larger double-blind randomized-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on the pregnancy outcome.