Abstract

(1) Background: Zinc is a key element for protein synthesis in preterm newborns. Early aggressive nutrition, promoting protein synthesis, may increase zinc consumption; (2) Methods: We performed a prospective observational study, to assess the relationship between early macronutrients intake and serum zinc levels, in preterm newborns with Gestational Age (GA) of 24–35 weeks, consecutively observed in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). (3) Results: We enrolled 130 newborns (GA 31.5 ± 2.8). A significant negative correlation between serum zinc level at 28 days of life and energy (r −0.587, p < 0.001) and protein intake (r −0.556, p < 0.001) in the first week of life was observed. Linear regression analysis showed that zinc levels depended on energy (β −0.650; p < 0.001) and protein (β −0.669; p < 0.001) intake given through parenteral nutrition (PN) in the first week of life; (4) Conclusions: zinc status of preterm neonates was influenced by early protein and energy intake. An additional zinc supplementation should be considered when high protein and energy intake are received by preterm newborns in the first week of life.

Highlights

  • Zinc is one of the most abundant trace elements in humans [1]

  • We aimed to investigate the relationship between early nutrition and zinc levels in preterm newborns

  • Twenty-seven were excluded because of death or transfer within the first 72 h of life, major congenital malformations, inborn errors of metabolism, congenital infections or because they were born from mothers with immunologic disorders, gestational diabetes, infectious or chronic diseases or with a history of drug or alcohol abuse

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Summary

Introduction

Zinc is one of the most abundant trace elements in humans [1]. The particularity of this nutrient is, certainly, the even distribution throughout the body as a key component of enzymes, transcription factors, hormonal receptor sites and biologic membranes [2,3]. Zinc participates in gene expression, neurotransmission, apoptosis, macronutrients metabolism and in inflammatory responses [3,4]. All these functions are crucial during anabolic conditions, when additional processes, beyond basal metabolism, are needed for adequate growth. In order to promote anabolism, the recent guidelines for PN, recommend early introduction of high energy and protein intake from the first day of life [5,6].

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