Comparative Assessment of Serum Zinc and Iron Deficiency in Cuban Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Background: Iron (Fe) deficiency anemia is the primary nutritional deficiency in Cuba, with limited documentation on serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) deficiencies. This study performs a comparative assessment of the presence of anemia, Fe storage deficits, and serum Zn and Cu levels in women of reproductive age across various Cuban provinces.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted between 2016-2018 included a non-probabilistic sample of 654 apparently healthy women aged 18 to 40 years from Havana, the eastern region (Santiago de Cuba and Holguin), and the central region (Sancti Spiritus and Cienfuegos), who were mothers of young children. Hemoglobin, ferritin, serum Zn and Cu, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP-hs), alpha-1 glycoprotein(AGP), and ceruloplasmin (Cp) were measured. Data were analyzed to estimate quartiles, frequencies, and associations among variables, with ferritin adjusted for inflammation using SPSS 20.0 statistical package.

Results: Anemia was identified in 18.1% of participants, Fe storage deficiency in 7.5-10.0%, serum Zn deficiency in 36%, and serum Cu deficiency in 14.3%. Low Cp levels were found in 13.3%, and inflammation was present in 43%. Anemia showed a positive association with Fe storage deficits (OR=3.90;95%CI: 2.23-6.71) and serum Zn deficiency (OR=1.94;95%CI: 1.30-2.91), and a negative association with serum Cu deficiency(OR=0.53;95%CI: 0.30-1.10). Inflammation modified the relationship between anemia and Fe storage and serum Cu deficiencies but not the relationship with serum Zn.

Conclusion: Findings reveal high rates of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly Zn, in Cuban women. These results underscore the need for interventions to improve nutritional health and address potential risks related to anemia and inflammation.