Association of serum zinc and selenium concentration in the etiology of miscarriage in Iranian women

Adequate serum level of zinc and selenium is required for normal metabolic performance and successful fertility. The present study was conducted to evaluate the association of serum zinc and selenium in early stage of gestation with the incidence of miscarriage in Iranian women. One hundred two females were studied in three matched groups. Group 1 consisted of 34 females with miscarriage, healthy parturients (n=34) and non-pregnant females were included in the second and third groups, respectively. Serum zinc and selenium were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. TSlight increment in zinc level of healthy parturients was observed in comparison with females with miscarriage however, this difference did not reach the statistical significance. Meanwhile, zinc level of non-pregnant females did not show a significant difference with other groups. There was no significant difference between the selenium level between groups. Serum zinc and selenium level of all three groups of Iranian females were within normal ranges, even higher value for selenium was obtained indicating regional variation in consumption of selenium in diet in different regions of the world. Miscarriage is not related to diet alone in Iranian females.