Serum Levels of Some Micronutrients and Congenital Malformations: A Prospective Cohort Study in Healthy Saudi-Arabian First-Trimester Pregnant Women

Background/Objectives: Various studies have linked vitamin deficiencies in early pregnancy with birth defects. The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between micronutrient deficiency and congenital malformations (CM). Subjects and Methods: There were 1,180 healthy, first-trimester pregnant Saudi-Arabian females selected from the antenatal care clinics of two hospitals and 21 health care centers located all over the city. Their full medical history, clinical examination, anthropometry, and various laboratory analyses were completed. Results: Forty-eight infants were born with CM. The serum concentrations of the analyzed nutrients (selenium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins A, E, B12, and folic acid) were significantly lower in mothers of infants with CM compared to the mothers of infants without CM. In comparison, the serum totals of homocysteine (tHcy) levels were significantly higher among the CM group. Conclusion: This study highlights the association of CM with the deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals among pregnant women.