Zinc Supplements During Pregnancy May Counteract Damage From Early Alcohol Exposure

“Fetal zinc deficiency may explain some of the birth defects and neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated with alcohol exposure. New rodent findings are the first to show that dietary zinc supplements throughout pregnancy can reduce some alcohol-related birth defects.” read more…

Pollution-related Asthma May Start In The Womb

“Children born in areas with increased traffic-related pollution may be at greater risk of developing asthma due to genetic changes acquired in the womb, according to new research from the University of Cincinnati (UC) and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.” read more…

Lengthy Daily Stints In Front Of The TV Linked To Doubled Childhood Asthma Risk

“Young children who spend more than two hours glued to the TV every day double their subsequent risk of developing asthma, indicates research published ahead of print in Thorax.” read more…

Strong Links Between Mothers’ Diets And Health Of Their Children

“A new report by University of Southampton academics emphasises the links between poor diet in mothers and ill health in their children, and calls for women of childbearing age to be made more aware of the importance of good nutrition.” read more…

Bad Oral Hygiene Can Lead To Complications In Pregnancy And Problems For Babies

“Bacteria from a mother’s mouth can be transmitted through the blood and amniotic fluid in the womb to her unborn child. This could contribute to the risk of a premature delivery, a low birth-weight baby, premature onset of contractions, or infection of the newborn child.” read more…

Balancing Hormones May Help Prevent Preterm Births

“The relationship between two different types of estrogen and a hormone produced in the placenta may serve as the mechanism for signaling labor, according to a new study. This finding may help doctors intervene and prevent preterm birth much more effectively.” read more…

New Evidence Explains Poor Infant Immune Response To Certain Vaccines

“In the study, the MU scientist found evidence that the immune systems of newborns might require some time after birth to mature to a point where the benefits of vaccines can be fully realized.” read more…

Is Dephytinization From Infant Cereals Beneficial To The Nutrition Absorption?

“Given the importance of an adequate intake of minerals during infancy, Dr. Carmen Frontela and her colleagues in the University of Murcia (Spain) tested the effect of the dephytinization of three different commercial infant cereals on iron, calcium, and zinc bioavailability.” read more…

Newborn Weights Affected By Environmental Contaminants

“Recent epidemiological studies have revealed an increase in the frequency of genital malformations in male newborns (e.g., un-descended testes) and a decrease in male fertility.” read more…

Zinc and Pregnancy

Function in Pregnancy: Used in more body functions than any other mineral, zinc is very important during pregnancy. Zinc is used in making DNA, for normal growth and development of the sex organs and for maintaining virtually all body tissues, and it boosts the immune system and speeds wound healing. Unfortunately, the majority of Americans are deficient in zinc – one study found that 75%of people consumed less that their RDA.

Symptoms of deficiency: Prolonged would healing, irregular periods, cataracts, acne, white spots in the finger nails, heightened allergic responses, itchy or rashy dry skin, diminished sense of taste or appetite

Effects of deficiency on mother and baby: Stretch marks, retarded growth, delayed sexual maturity, diabetes, central nervous system damage to fetus, future infertility in baby. Children with Zinc deficiency show poor appetite and decreased sexual development. Dwarfism and complete lack of sexual function may occur with severe deficiency.

Sources (each choice provides  100% of your daily zinc):

• 2 medium oysters

The following each provide 25% of your daily zinc, choose four:

• 2 cups of cooked whole grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal or quinoa
• 2 cups cooked beans, any type
• 4 ounces beef or lamb
• 4 ounces liver
• 1 cup nuts, such as almonds, walnuts or pistachios
• 1/2 cup seeds, such as sesame, sunflower or pumpkin
• 18 clams
• 3 oz crab