Association of Maternal Serum Zinc Level with Neonatal Birth Weight in Term Deliveries

Background: Zinc is an essential micronutrient involved in cellular growth, protein synthesis, and immune regulation. During pregnancy, maternal zinc requirements increase, and deficiency has been implicated in adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW). LBW remains a major public health concern in Bangladesh, where maternal malnutrition is prevalent. Objective: To investigate the association between maternal serum zinc levels and neonatal birth weight in term deliveries. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College & Hospital, Bangladesh between July 2024 and June 2025. A total of 130 term pregnant women were enrolled, comprising 65 cases (mothers of LBW neonates