Trace Elements as Potential Biomarkers of Preeclampsia

Abstract

Pregnancy is one of the most important physiological processes of human beings. Adequate nutrition of the mother during this stage has great influence on fetal growth and development, the fetus is totally dependent on the mother to get all the nutrients through the placenta. Malnutrition and poor nutrition are associated with deficiency of micronutrients and pregnancy complications as preeclampsia; this hypertensive disease is characterized by an increased of blood pressure, proteinuria, and complication as hemorrhage and stroke, being one of the main causes of maternal death. This article described the daily consumption of the main trace elements required to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Also is described the deficiency of serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, iodine, zinc, magnesium, selenium, copper, fluoride; the excess of iron and its association with preeclampsia disease. Also, this review compiles the concentrations reported of trace elements and are compared in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia. Furthermore is reviewed their possible use as biomarkers for detection of preeclampsia during pregnancy.