The effect of zinc supplementation on pregnancy outcomes: a double-blind, randomised controlled trial, Egypt.

The present randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to evaluate the effect of two regimens of Zn supplementation on pregnancy outcomes in Alexandria, Egypt. Healthy pregnant women aged 20­45 years and having low serum Zn level below the estimated median for the gestational age were eligible to participate in the trial. Of 1055 pregnant women assessed for the eligibility of low serum Zn level, 675 were eligible. These women were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: the Zn alone group (n 225) received a daily dose of 30 mg ZnSO4, the combined group (n 227) received 30 mg ZnSO4 plus multivitamins (B1, B6, D3, C and E) and the control group (n 223) received placebo (270 mg lactose). They were followed up from the time of recruitment till 1 week after delivery. Overall, there was no detectable difference in the mean birth weight between the three groups (mean 2929.12 (SD 330.28), 2922.22 (SD 324.05) and 2938.48 (SD 317.39) g for the placebo, Zn and Zn plus multivitamin groups, respectively, P = 0.88). Both the single and the combined Zn supplements were almost equally effective in reducing second- and third-stage complications (relative risk (RR) 0.43, 95% CI 0.31, 0.60 for the Zn group and RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.40, 0.73 for the combined group). Stillbirth and preterm delivery were significantly lower among the two supplemented groups than the placebo group (P = 0.001). Early neonatal morbidity was also significantly lower in the supplemented groups (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.15, 0.35 for the Zn group and RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.16, 0.37 for the combined group). Collectively, Zn supplementation was effective in reducing pregnancy complications and early neonatal infection among the Zn-deficient women of the present trial.

Dietary pattern and blood pressure levels of adolescents in Sohag, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Poor eating patterns formed early in life may lead to health problems in later years. These poor dietary habits are carried over into adolescence in Upper Egypt. The study aimed to assess the relationship between dietary pattern and blood pressure levels of adolescents in Sohag as one of Upper Egypt Governorates. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out on 300 school students of both sexes between 12 and 18 years of age in Sohag. Schools from one educational district were stratified into private or public and boys or girls sectors. From each stratum, about 35-40 students were selected from one class at random. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle, and dietary habits and intake were collected from each student. Anthropometric measurements and both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were taken at the time of the interview. RESULTS: Hypertension was detected among 7.7% of the adolescents studied and prehypertension was detected among 34% of the adolescents. The entire studied sample consumed energy, protein, and sodium that exceeded their daily requirements, whereas their intake of potassium was less, with no statistically significant difference. The prehypertensive group consumed the highest daily intake of energy, macronutrients, sodium, and potassium. High BMI and low consumption of fruits and vegetables were associated with increased SBP and DBP. High consumption of chips was a predictor for increased SBP, whereas daily consumption of soft drinks was a predictor for increased DBP. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The study revealed significant association between the unhealthy dietary pattern and the risk of hypertension and prehypertension among adolescents in Sohag. Changes in their eating habits and dietary intake are highly recommended. Implementing a comprehensive nutrition promotion program has the potential to decrease the risk of hypertension during adulthood.

Nutritional factors affecting the menarcheal state of adolescent school girls in Alexandria.

The nutritional status of adolescents plays a dominant role in determining the maturation status. The aim of the present work was to assess the mean age of menarche and the main nutritional factors affecting it. A cross-sectional study of 1606 girls was conducted in primary and preparatory schools in Alexandria. Every girl was subjected to anthropometric assessment including weight, height, mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist circumference, hip circumference and triceps skin-fold thickness. BMI and body fat percentage were calculated. A 24 hours diet recall method was used to assess the dietary intake. The mean age of menarche was 11.98+/-0.96 years. The mean MUAC, triceps skin-fold thickness, waist circumference and hip circumference were significantly higher among menstruating girls as compared to non-menstruating. (p<0.01). Only 7.5% of the females less than the 5th percentile of BMI (thinness) were menstruating, while the corresponding figure for those at or more than 85th percentile (overweight) was 65.6% and this was statistically significant (X 2 (2) =102.8, P<0.001). Girls who attained menstruation demonstrated a higher significant mean percent of body fat (43.40+/-10.0) as compared to non menstruating ones (35.41+/-7.87), ( t=17.09, P<0.001). The oldest age at menarche was noted when the protein, iron and caloric intake was less than 80% of the RDAs. However after adjustment of other variables direct relation was detected between age of girls and their age of menarche and those in private school had earlier age of menarche than those in governmental one. The nutritional status of the adolescents had a significant association with the onset of menstruation and the age at menarche.

Assessment of the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders among primary school children in Cairo

This study was done to assess the prevalence of iodine deficiency [ID] among primary schoolchildren in Cairo. A stratified random sampling technique covering the five geographic zones of Cairo was used. Data revealed that the goitre rate was 13.5%; being 10.8% among males and 16.2% among females. Prevalence among females was higher than that of males in all categories. Based on the data found by this study, it can be concluded that ID constitutes a mild public health problem among Cairo primary schoolchildren, and a salt iodization programme is highly recommended