Investigation of Essential Mineral Element Levels in Pregnant Women Residing in Rural Regions of Southern Uzbekistan

Abstract

This study investigated the magnesium and iron content in the daily diets of pregnant women aged 21–34 years living in the Qashqadaryo region, as well as the concentrations of these minerals in their blood. According to the obtained results, the dietary magnesium intake of the participants was close to the recommended level in the first trimester (95.1%), while in the second and third trimesters it exceeded the recommended level by an average of 45.9–59.1%. In contrast, iron intake during the first to third trimesters averaged 52.8–80.04% of the recommended level. The serum magnesium concentration decreased compared to the normal reference range (0.75–1.25 mmol/L), showing an average reduction of 22.8% in the first trimester, 20.8% in the second trimester, and 14.4% in the third trimester. In contrast, blood iron levels differed: they were within the normal range in the first trimester (107.3%) but were reduced in the second and third trimesters by an average of 32.4% and 36.5%, respectively.