Oral Zinc Supplementation Research Articles

General dermatology and dermatology in primary health care.

Young boy with high output diarrhea, who was extremely lethargic and irritable, presented with unusual peri-anal plaques extending to thighs. Close clinical examination and basic laboratory investigation clinched the diagnosis of acrodematitis enteropathica. Oral zinc supplementation resulted in rapid resolution of skin lesions and improvement in altered mental status, within 72 hours, which is pathognomonic.

Short-Term Zinc Supplementation Stimulates Visceral Adipose Catabolism and Inflammation in Mice.

Zinc (Zn), a fundamental trace element in human biology, exhibits pivotal roles in sustaining vital physiological processes and regulating metabolic homeostasis. Insufficient zinc intake has been linked to deleterious consequences on growth, reproductive functions, metabolic activities, and immune responses in both humans and animals. Oral zinc supplementation is usually performed to meet zinc requirement. Previous studies have shown that long-term supplementation of zinc in mice impaired AKT signaling and induced adipocyte hypertrophy in visceral adipose tissue. The presented study was conducted to investigate the role and mechanism of short-term zinc supplementation on lipids metabolism. Zinc sulfate was supplemented in the drinking water of C57/BL6J male mice at 30 ppm or 90 ppm for one week. Water consumption, food intake, and body weight were analyzed, adipose tissue and serum profile of metabolites were investigated, and the key genes related to lipid metabolism were analyzed. Short-term zinc supplementation decreased visceral adipose tissue weight and adipocyte size compared to the control group, but no difference was observed in food intake, water consumption, and body weight between the two groups. Further studies revealed that short-term zinc supplementation significantly increased the serum insulin level while decreasing the serum NEFA content. In addition, zinc supplementation increased the expression of Atgl and Hsl in the visceral adipose tissue compared with the control mice. Furthermore, the phosphorylation level of HSL and protein level of PPARg in the epididymal adipose tissue increased by zinc supplementation compared with the control mice. In comparison, the protein level of FASN was down-regulated by short-term zinc supplementation in the epididymal adipose tissue, although the expression of lipogenic genes was not changed. The expression of F4/80 and Tnfa were increased in zinc-supplemented adipose tissue as compared with the control group. Our findings suggest that short-term zinc supplementation might reduce fat deposition by enhancing lipolysis in mice. Future studies could focus on the effect of intermittent zinc supplementation on fat reduction in both animal models and humans.

Determinants of Acute Watery Diarrhea in Children Under Five Years: A Comprehensive Analysis

Background: Acute watery diarrhea (AWD), which has a sudden onset and is associated with a risk of severe dehydration, is primarily spread through unsafe water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene. Socioeconomic factors, like low parental education and poverty, further increase risks. WHO-recommended interventions, including oral rehydration therapy, zinc supplementation, and rotavirus vaccinations, have reduced diarrhea-related deaths globally. Aim of the study: This study aims to explore the socio-demographic, environmental, and behavioral factors associated with childhood watery diarrhea, particularly in high-risk regions. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric, 250 Bedded General Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh, with 210 children aged 0–60 months presenting acute watery diarrhea, enrolled over one year July 2023 to June 2024. Eligible children met specific inclusion criteria, while exclusion was applied to cases of chronic diarrhea or unrelated pre-existing conditions. Data confidentiality was maintained, with ethical approval granted. The analysis involved descriptive statistics in SPSS (version 26) for comprehensive result interpretation. Result: The study included 210 children under five, with a mean age of 14.51±5.34 months; most were aged 7-12 months (38.10%), and 54.29% were male. Caregivers were predominantly aged 28.39±4.11 years, with 73.81% having completed primary education. Key findings included high MMR vaccination rates (62.38%), significant exclusive breastfeeding for six months (58.57%), and recent diarrhea reports among 20.95% of caregivers. In terms of WASH practices, 60.48% used piped water, 57.62% stored drinking water separately, and 95.71% had toilet facilities. Notably, 67.14% used water only for handwashing, and 45.24% washed hands with soap post-toilet use. Conclusion: Safe water, sanitation, and handwashing practices are essential to reducing acute watery diarrhea in children under five. Children in households with untreated water and inconsistent caregiver handwashing face higher risks. Targeted public health initiatives to improve water treatment and hygiene could greatly reduce diarrhea incidence and improve child health outcomes.

Zinc in Dermatology: Exploring Its Emerging Role in Enhancing Botulinum Toxin Formulations and Clinical Efficacy.

This literature review provides a novel exploration of zinc's multifaceted roles in dermatology, with a particular focus on its potential integration into botulinum toxin formulations-an area that remains relatively underexplored in clinical practice. Zinc is widely recognized for its critical functions in skin health, including morphogenesis, regeneration, and protection, and its use in aesthetic medicine offers a unique opportunity for innovation. Specifically, incorporating zinc into botulinum toxin formulations could enhance the efficacy and stability of these treatments. Although zinc has historically been used in topical dermatological products and systemic health interventions, its potential in cosmetic preparations, such as anti-aging therapies or non-invasive aesthetic treatments, remains under-researched. Emerging patents suggest promising formulations combining zinc with botulinum toxin that may improve product stability and extend therapeutic effects. While current studies on oral zinc supplementation present mixed results concerning its ability to prolong botulinum toxin effects, this underscores the need for more rigorous investigation in the realm of aesthetic medicine. Zinc's well-established role in stabilizing dermatological products, such as sunscreens, and its applications in wound healing and skin regeneration, further highlights its potential for broader therapeutic uses beyond cosmetic applications. This review identifies a critical gap in the literature and calls for future research to optimize zinc concentrations and delivery methods specifically for aesthetic medical procedures, offering new insights into improving dermatological treatments beyond the scope of traditional cosmetic preparations.

Zinc as a potential prophylactic adjuvant therapy for prolonged hospitalization: A systematic review and meta-analysis of an umbrella of randomized controlled trials.

The present study evaluated the effect of oral zinc supplementation on shortening hospital length of stay. A systematic review was conducted for randomized control trials in patients who were hospitalized regardless of age and cause of admission. Studies were collected from PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library until July 2023. Results were compared between the zinc group and those who received a placebo and/or the standard therapy. Eight studies were qualified for our meta-analysis. Of the 1267 patients, 633 and 634 were in the zinc supplementation and control groups, respectively. The meta-analysis found that oral zinc supplementation group experienced a lower length of hospital stay than the control group (mean difference, -0.43 days; 95% confidence interval, -0.65 to -0.22; P < 0.0001; heterogeneity, I2 = 20%). The administration of oral zinc supplements was associated with a slightly reduced duration of hospital stay.

Xenotransplanted human organoids identify transepithelial zinc transport as a key mediator of intestinal adaptation

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) leads to severe morbidity and mortality. Intestinal adaptation is crucial in improving outcomes. To understand the human gene pathways associated with adaptation, we perform single-cell transcriptomic analysis of human small intestinal organoids explanted from mice with experimental SBS. We show that transmembrane ion pathways, specifically the transepithelial zinc transport pathway genes SLC39A4 and SLC39A5, are upregulated in SBS. This discovery is corroborated by an external dataset, bulk RT-qPCR, and Western blots. Oral zinc supplementation is shown to improve survival and weight gain of SBS mice and increase the proliferation of intestinal crypt cells in vitro. Finally, we identify the upregulation of SLC39A5 and associated transcription factor KLF5 in biopsied intestinal tissue specimens from patients with SBS. Thus, we identify zinc supplementation as a potential therapy for SBS and describe a xenotransplantation model that provides a platform for discovery in other intestinal diseases.

Effect of Oral Zinc Supplementation on Phase Angle and Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial.

Zinc plays a crucial role in cell structure and functionality. Neurodegenerative Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) alters muscle membrane structure, leading to a loss of muscle mass and strength. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in phase angle (PA) and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) results in patients with DMD after oral zinc supplementation. This clinical trial included 33 boys aged 5.6 to 24.5 years diagnosed with DMD. They were divided into three groups according to age (G1, G2, and G3) and supplemented with oral zinc. The mean serum zinc concentration was 74 μg/dL, and 29% of patients had concentrations below the reference value. The baseline values (mean (standard deviation)) of the bioelectrical impedance parameters PA, resistance (R), and reactance (Xc) were 2.59° (0.84°), 924.36 (212.31) Ω, and 39.64 (8.41) Ω, respectively. An increase in R and a decrease in PA and lean mass proportional to age were observed, along with a negative correlation (r = -0.614; p < 0.001) between age and PA. The average cell mass in G1 was greater than that in G3 (p = 0.012). There were no significant differences in serum zinc levels or bioelectrical impedance parameters before and after zinc supplementation. We conclude that this population is at risk of zinc deficiency and the proposed dosage of zinc supplementation was not sufficient to alter serum zinc levels, PA and BIVA results.

Effects of Oral Supplementation of Vitamin D3 and Zinc on Bone Properties in Alcohol Abuse-Induced Chronic Pancreatitis in Rats

Effects of Oral Supplementation of Vitamin D3 and Zinc on Bone Properties in Alcohol Abuse-Induced Chronic Pancreatitis in Rats

Effects of Oral Zinc Supplementation on Early Embryonic Development and Neonates of Aged Female Albino Mice

Female reproductive aging is a normal phase of life that eventually leads to menopause and reproductive senescence. The current experimental investigation was intended to study zinc supplementation effects on early embryonic development and neonates in 26-28 weeks old female mice. In this investigation, 80 mature female mice were used that were divided into two groups of forty each. Two control groups received distilled water, while two Zn groups were given 0.115 mg/kg/day Zn orally daily during 2-3 estrous cycles. The female mice were all mated with adult males. Twenty female mice from both the control and Zn groups were euthanized by CO2 gas inhalation, and then a longitudinal incision in the abdomen of each female mouse was performed and uterine horns and oviducts were detached from the body in order to obtain two-cell embryos. On the other hand, 20 pregnant mice from each group were permitted to complete their pregnancy until birth and then their neonates were collected for macroscopic examination. The findings showed that the Zn supplementation significantly (P≤0.01) improved the mean embryonic development and the quality of 2-cell stage embryo grade A. Whereas, it decreased the mean embryonic development of 2-cell stage embryo grade D in aged female mice significantly (P≤0.01) in comparison with aged control groups. Also, the count and quality of neonates from Zn-treated aged female mice enhanced significantly (P≤0.01) as compared to non-treated aged female mice. It was concluded from these findings that the Zn can improve embryonic development and neonate count and quality in aged mice.

Evaluation the role of supplementation of oral zinc on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients

Background: Zinc is an important trace element and a potent antioxidant. Its deficiency causes a common comorbidity with numerous chronic diseases including hypertension and diabetes mellitus, associated with development and progression of various complications. Objective: The present study has been undertaken to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka between January 2016 to December 2016. In this study, a total number of 46 diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients of both sexes were selected with age ranging from 40 to 55 years. Among them, 26 type 2 diabetic patients with supplementation of oral zinc (40mg/day) for 12 weeks were considered as study group (Group B). Another 25 age matched type 2 diabetic patients without supplementation of oral zinc were considered as control group (Group A) for comparison. All subjects were selected from Outpatient Department of Endocrinology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Their blood pressure (BP) was measured and serum zinc level was estimated by Spectrophotometric method accordingly. These parameters were studied 2 times in all subjects of control and study groups i.e. at the beginning of study (base line) and after 12 weeks of study period. Data were collected in pre-designed structured questionnaire form by the researcher herself. For statistical analysis, paired Student’s ‘t’ test and unpaired Student’s ‘t’ test were performed as applicable using SPSS for windows version 22.0. Results: In this study, after zinc supplementation resulted in a significant (p&lt;0.001) decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in study group but there was no significant change observed in control group. Conclusions: After analyzing the results of the study, it can be concluded that oral zinc supplementation can be useful for improving blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. Central Medical College Journal Vol 7 No 1 January 2023 Page: 41-46

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Body Composition of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

The study hypothesized that zinc supplementation would increase or preserve lean body mass in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the body composition of DMD patients before and after zinc supplementation. The study is a clinical trial comprising 21 boys diagnosed with DMD. Dietary intake parameters were evaluated before zinc supplementation. Serum zinc levels, anthropometry, and body composition were measured in three moments, four months apart. The patients received 5, 10, or 15 mg of zinc bis-glycine supplementation according to age as an oral solution daily for four months. The sample was distributed into two groups according to serum zinc status: zinc deficiency (G1) or adequate zinc (G2). There was a significant difference in lean body mass between the groups: zinc deficiency (G1) or adequate zinc (G2), at three times (p=0.041, 0.016, and 0.009, respectively). After oral zinc supplementation, serum zinc levels were not different between groups. We did not observe differences when associating the parameters between times and groups. Zinc supplementation was able to maintain lean body mass and fat mass in patients with DMD with previous deficiencies. Therefore, it is necessary to have a prior screening of serum zinc levels to observe changes after supplementation.

Eudemonia of People Living with HIV at an Anti-Retroviral Therapy Center, Ron, Gadag District - A Mixed Method Feasibility Study

Background In the realm of health and wellbeing the cursed part is the illness. Times elapsed health problems and challenges evolved constantly. In 1980s the first case of HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus was reported and according to World Health Organization WHO 36.9 million people worldwide are living with HIVAIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.Aim This study aimed to explore the meaning of lived experiences of people living with HIV PLHIV and evaluate the effectiveness of health interventions on the state of health of PLHIV at an Anti-retroviral therapy ART center Ron Gadag District.Methods A sequential exploratory mixed-method study was conducted from August 2022 to September 2022. The qualitative strand with five samples explored lived experiences of PLHIV to develop health related counselling programme and quantitative strand with 14 samples tested the health-related counselling programme developed based on the data extracted from qualitative strand leading to first level integration in addition to administration of oral zinc 20 mgday for one month. Qualitative data analysis was done using QDA Miner lite version 3.0 and quantitative data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 29.0 followed by mixing of data by integrated analysis.Results After qualitative analysis six themes and twenty-one sub-themes were derived in development of phenomenology. After quantitative analysis H1 amp H2 were accepted as P value obtained was 0.001 for df - 01 at 5 level of significance. The integrated analysis showed that findings from both the strands complemented supported and synergized the state of eudemonia among PLHIV.Conclusion The study concluded that administration of oral zinc supplementation and regular health related counselling sessions are effective strategies in maintaining eudemonia of people living with HIV amp AIDS.

The effect of oral zinc on hemoglobin and dose of erythropoietin in hemodialysis patients.

In hemodialysis (HD) patients, low serum zinc level could cause hyporesponsivity to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and lead to anemia. This study investigated the effects of oral zinc supplements on the required dose of erythropoietin in patients undergoing HD. In a double-blinded randomized trial, 76 HD patients were assigned to 2 groups of 38. One group (intervention) was treated with oral zinc supplements of 210 mg, daily for 6 months, and the other group (control) used placebo capsules for 6 months. The serum zinc level, hemoglobin level, and required dose of erythropoietin, albumin, ferritin, ferrous, and total iron-binding capacity were evaluated 3 and 6 months after intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA did not show a significant increase in Hb level after 6 months of intervention (P = 0.28). However, the required dose of erythropoietin was decreased, but the changes were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The changes in the other variables were not statistically significant. Oral zinc supplementation in HD patients could not increase hemoglobin level irrespective of their serum zinc level.

Zinc Levels and Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Mini Review.

The aim of this nonsystematic mini review was to discuss serum levels of zinc in subjects with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Most studies have reported low zinc levels in subjects with DFUs. Furthermore, there is some evidence that oral zinc supplementation may have a positive and beneficial impact on DFUs healing. Nonetheless, findings have so far not provided definitive answers. More studies are needed to clarify the role of zinc and its supplementation in this setting.

Hemoglobin Response to Zinc Supplementation in Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Zinc Deficiency and Anemia

Background: Chronic anemia has an estimated prevalence of 5.6% within the US, where 25.3% of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) 3-5 have anemia of chronic kidney disease according to NHANES. Anemia in CKD has long been attributed to a decrease in EPO production due to their kidney disease. While iron deficiency is treated in anemia of chronic kidney disease, other micronutrients are less commonly tested or supplemented. Zinc may be an additional micronutrient of interest in anemia of chronic kidney disease as zinc has numerous proposed mechanisms in erythropoeisis including acting as a catalyst in the iron metabolism and heme synthesis through the activity of alpha-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase enzyme. Zinc is found in the structure of the growth factor independent 1B (Gfi-1B) Zinc finger protein and GATA-1 Zinz finger transcription factor, which functions as a regulator in erythroid cell growth by modulating gene expression specific to erythroid series including the SMAD pathways and TGF-β signaling. The interaction with zinc in signaling cascades such as the growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 pathways also result in increased erythropoietin transcription and therefore increased erythropoiesis. In addition, zinc is regarded as an important erythroid differentiation factor which progress maturation of erythrocytes. Zinc has also shown to stimulate EPO production in nephrectomized rats and Zinc supplementation increased reticulocyte production in human subjects. This descriptive, retrospective study describes zinc deficient patients with CKD 3-5 and chronic anemia; who underwent oral zinc supplementation, and their changes in hemoglobin (HGB) over a 12 month period in an academic outpatient hematology clinic in California, United States of America. Objectives: Primary endpoints: determine the rate of anemia resolution over 12 months following supplementation of zinc in patients with zinc deficiency, CKD, and anemia of chronic kidney disease. Secondary endpoints: determine if zinc supplementation in zinc deficient patients with chronic anemia and CKD 3-5 will improve HGB by at least 1.0 g.dL by 1, 3, 6, and 12 month time points. Methods: Hematology patients from Loma Linda University Cancer Center over the age of 18 who had CKD 3 or above (GFR &amp;lt;59 ml/min) with chronic anemia (HGB &amp;lt;12 for women, HGB &amp;lt;13 for men for &amp;gt;3 months) were identified to have zinc deficiency (plasma zinc concentration &amp;lt;65 ug/dL). Patients did not start new treatment for their anemia, including initiating new treatments for malignancy 3 months preceding, and within the data collection period. Patients were supplemented with Zinc Sulfate 50 mg daily and their HGB was followed over 12 months. A retrospective analysis was completed for prior medical history, lab data, and hemoglobin was tabulated at the time markers of 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following initiation of zinc supplementation. ANOVA, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and unpaired Students and t tests were performed to determine significant differences. p &amp;lt;0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results Thirty-Four patients were identified to have CKD 3-5 with chronic anemia and zinc deficiency. They were found to have no statistically significant baseline characteristics, hematologic values at time of diagnosis, or micronutrient and hormonal etiologies for anemia. HGB prior to supplementation averaged 9.96 g/dL, WBC averaged 5.8, and PLTS averaged 149. Following supplementation HGB at 1 month average was 10.47 g/dL (p=0.19 n=30), at 3 months average of 10.49 (p=0.12 n=31), at 6 months average of 11.03 (p=0.011 n=27), at 1 year 10.93 (p=0.03, n=17). Primary endpoint of HGB resolution was found in 12 of the 34 patients (35%). Secondary endpoint of HGB improvement by at least 1.0 g/dL was reached in 27% of patients at 1 month, 32% of patients at 3 months, 59% of patients at 6 months and 64% of patients at 12 months. Conclusions: Zinc supplementation improved patients' anemia with resolution of anemia in 35% of patients with incremental improvement in HGB over a 1 year time frame. There was statistically significant improvement from baseline HGB at the 6 and 12 month time markers. Further study is warranted to determine the specific mechanism of zinc deficiency in anemia with chronic kidney disease, as well as clinical studies determining zinc supplementation doses, monitoring, and toxicity.

Effect of zinc supplement on duration of acute watery diarrhea from 6 months to 5 year aged children.

Objective: To determine the effect of Zinc supplement on duration of acute watery diarrhea from 6 months to 5 year aged children. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Pediatric Unit, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, Pakistan. Period: 1st July 2022 to 31st December 2022. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 100 children aged from 6 months to 5 years presenting with acute watery diarrhea were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 equal groups. In Group-A patients were given oral Zinc supplement at a dose of 20mg daily while in Group-B children were not given oral zinc supplement. Follow up visit was set on day 3 after start of treatment. Primary outcome was set as frequency of diarrheal episodes during 24 hours while the secondary outcome was character of stool. Results: The Mean±SD of age in this study was 13.51±6.27 months with an age range of 6-30 months. The ratio of male gender was higher than female (59% Vs 41%). Clinical outcomes showed a significant decrease in frequency of diarrheal episodes (3.88±1.11 vs 4.58±1.03, p=0.001) and in number of children with watery stool (42% vs 70%, p=0.05) in Group-A compared to group-B. Number of children recovering from diarrhea was higher in group-A compared to group-B (14% vs 2%, p=0.026). Conclusion: Zinc supplement significantly reduces frequency of diarrheal episodes and improves character of stool in children with acute watery diarrhea aged from 6 months to 5 year.

Cross-sectional observational study: Investigation of zinc concentration in white patients with cancer

ObjectivesNumerous studies describe the role of zinc in the immune system and metabolism. Zinc may influence the pathogenesis and prognosis of cancer. The aim of this study to determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency in patients with cancer. The study's primary objective was to evaluate the frequency of zinc deficiency in White patients with cancer and characterize the clinical factors predisposing individuals to decreased zinc concentration. The study also aimed to estimate the dose of zinc supplementation that would prevent deficiency. MethodsRetrospective data for this cross-sectional study were analyzed from 300 consecutive white patients diagnosed with neoplastic disease and admitted to a major oncology hospital for treatment. Zinc plasma concentration, nutritional status, body composition, and medical history of ailments and dysphagia were recorded. Supplementation was introduced in patients with zinc deficiency according to the local protocol. Zinc plasma levels were collected at follow-up visits. ResultsZinc deficiency was diagnosed in 68% of the patients. Poor nutritional status was significantly associated with zinc deficiency (low body mass index, weight loss, low albumin level). Low lean body mass (P = 0.003) and adipose tissue (P = 0.045) correlated with zinc deficiency. Patients with zinc deficiency reported dysphagia more frequently than those with normal zinc levels (18 versus 8%; P = 0.03). Squamous cell carcinoma was significantly associated with zinc deficiency (P = 0.043). Oral zinc supplementation resulted in reaching laboratory norms for plasma concentration in only 27% of patients with zinc deficiency and was not dependent on lower (10–15 mg) or higher (25–30 mg) dosing (P > 0.05). ConclusionsZinc deficiency is common in cachectic, malnourished patients with cancer. Nutritional guidelines for these patients should include screening for micronutrient deficiencies. Further studies are needed to determine the role, dosage, duration, and form of nutritional supplementation recommended for specific cancer diagnoses.

Effect of Oral Zinc Supplementation on Serum Bilirubin Levels in Term Neonates With Hyperbilirubinemia Undergoing Phototherapy: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of Oral Zinc Supplementation on Serum Bilirubin Levels in Term Neonates With Hyperbilirubinemia Undergoing Phototherapy: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Effectiveness of zinc therapy for the treatment of pressure ulcers.

Pressure ulcers are a significant burden in healthcare settings, impacting patients' lives and incurring substantial costs. Nutrition, including the micronutrient zinc, plays a role in wound healing. However, controversy exists regarding zinc supplementation for pressure ulcer management. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy, optimal dosages, and safety of oral zinc supplementation. This commentary provides a critical appraisal of the systematic review conducted by Song et al (2020), which evaluates the efficacy of zinc therapy in the treatment of pressure sores, focusing on the implementation of the nutritional recommendations in context to practice.

The effect of zinc sulphate in a cerebral palsy child: A Case Report

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by permanent movement and posture disorders, affecting young children worldwide. Zinc, an essential trace element with crucial roles in immune function and neuronal development, has shown potential neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies. Despite this evidence, human trials investigating the effect of zinc in children with CP remain limited. This case study examines the impact of zinc supplementation in a four-year-old child diagnosed with moderate spastic quadriplegic CP. The patient received standard physiotherapy alongside oral zinc supplementation and a balanced diet for six months. Significant improvements were observed in motor function, muscle tone, balance, concentration, and fatigue within two weeks of zinc intervention. Continued progress was seen at four and eight weeks, indicating potential benefits of zinc as an adjunct therapy in managing CP. However, further research and larger clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings and determine optimal dosages. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge in pediatric neurology and suggests the potential role of zinc in improving outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.