Trace element Analyses in a Black South African Pregnant Population: The role of Dietary history and Antenatal supplements in the occurrence of pre-eclampsia

Background: The aim of this study was to establish the role of dietary history and antenatal supplementation of Black South African pregnant women in relation to serum trace elements and related hormones (calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], iron [Fe], vitamin D, phosphates, parathyroid hormone [PTH] and albumin [ALB]) in the occurrence of pre-eclampsia (PE).Methods: Women matched for maternal age were recruited; [normotensive, early onset and late onset PE].Patient demographics and a dietary history, which included calcium enriched foods and those that inhibit absorption of calcium were recorded in a structured data sheet.Serum levels of Ca, phosphate, Fe, Mg, albumin ALB, Vitamin D and plasma levels of PTH were assayed by standard laboratory procedures.Results: Serum levels of Ca, phosphate, Mg, PTH and Fe were within the normal range in all three groups.Serum albumin and vitamin D levels were below the normal reference range, while the serum PTH and ALB levels were significantly different (p=0.0001)across all groups.The dietary history was similar across the groups.Conclusion: Thus, the present study confirms that serum levels of calcium, phosphate, Mg, Fe and plasma level of PTH are within the normal reference range in a Black South African population and that the dietary history and antenatal supplementation during pregnancy played an important role in the occurrence PE.