TY - JOUR T1 - Copper and selenium status of healthy pregnant women in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria. AU - Nwagha,U I, AU - Ogbodo,S O, AU - Nwogu-Ikojo,E E, AU - Ibegbu,D M, AU - Ejezie,F E, AU - Nwagha,T U, AU - Dim,C C, PY - 2012/1/18/entrez PY - 2012/1/18/pubmed PY - 2012/5/17/medline SP - 408 EP - 12 JF - Nigerian journal of clinical practice JO - Niger J Clin Pract VL - 14 IS - 4 N2 - BACKGROUND: Copper and selenium are important trace elements in man. They function as antioxidants and play roles in oxido-reductase reactions. Several imported multivitamin preparations are given to our women during pregnancy and lactation to correct possible deficiencies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine the serum level of these micronutrients (selenium and copper) in a cross section of pregnant women in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross section of 130 healthy pregnant women at different trimesters of pregnancy and 30 non-pregnant controls were selected from two health facilities in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria. Serum from the samples collected was assayed for copper and selenium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The mean copper level increased (P = 0.018), while the selenium level decreased (P < 0.0001) as pregnancy advanced. CONCLUSION: High copper levels indicate that supplementation should not be undertaken during normal pregnancy. Dietary intake should be modified to ensure optimal selenium levels during pregnancy. SN - 1119-3077 UR - https://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/citation/22248939/Copper_and_selenium_status_of_healthy_pregnant_women_in_Enugu_southeastern_Nigeria_ L2 - http://www.njcponline.com/article.asp?issn=1119-3077;year=2011;volume=14;issue=4;spage=408;epage=412;aulast=Nwagha DB - PRIME DP - Unbound Medicine ER -