Zinc-supplemented Group Research Articles

IMPACT OF ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION ON DURATION OF HOSPITALIZATION IN CHILDREN WITH PNEUMONIA

Zinc supplementation is known to reduce pneumonia incidence among infants; however, its role in improving treatment outcomes for pneumonia in hospitalized children remains inconclusive. Objective: This study investigates the effect of zinc supplementation on the duration of hospitalization and symptom severity in pediatric patients diagnosed with pneumonia. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Balochistan Institute of Child Health Service, Quetta, Pakistan. A total of 100 children diagnosed with pneumonia were enrolled and randomized into two groups: a zinc supplementation group and a control group. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing regression and correlation analyses to assess the impact of zinc on hospitalization duration and symptom severity. Results: Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in hospitalization duration or symptom severity between the zinc-supplemented group and the control group (p-values of 0.741 and 0.402, respectively). The findings suggest that zinc supplementation does not significantly alter treatment outcomes in terms of reducing hospital stay or symptom intensity for children with pneumonia. Conclusion: While zinc supplementation is recognized for its role in pneumonia prevention, this study does not support its efficacy in reducing hospitalization duration or symptom severity for children already diagnosed with pneumonia. Further research is recommended to explore alternative therapeutic strategies for enhancing recovery outcomes in pediatric pneumonia cases.

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.

The Role of Zinc Supplementation in Alleviating Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Randomized Placebo Controlled, Crossover Trial

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and requires maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), is a global health issue. Inflammation in MHD patients is associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular events. Zinc, essential for immune function and possessing anti-inflammatory properties, is frequently deficient in these patients and could potentially help mitigate inflammation. Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of zinc supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers, specifically (CRP) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), in MHD patients. Methods: In a double-blind, randomized controlled crossover trial conducted at Labafinejad Hospital, Tehran, MHD patients with zinc deficiency were initially allocated to either a zinc supplementation group or a placebo group. After 30 days, the groups were crossed over, with patients initially receiving zinc now receiving a placebo and vice versa. The primary outcome was changes in serum zinc levels, while secondary outcomes focused on CRP and NLR levels. Results: Significant changes in serum zinc levels were observed in both groups from baseline to Month 2 (drug-placebo group: Mean change -15.9±10.33 µg/dL, P &lt; 0.05; placebo-drug group: Mean change -14.70 ± 12.58 µg/dL, P &lt; 0.05). A significant initial reduction in CRP levels at Month 1 (P = 0.045) was not sustained at Month 2 (P = 0.812). No statistically significant changes in NLR were noted. Improvements in quality of life, including reductions in muscle pain and skin dryness, were significant in the drug-placebo group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Zinc supplementation in MHD patients significantly improved serum zinc levels and initially reduced CRP levels, highlighting its potential role in managing inflammation. Although the impact on NLR was not significant, overall patient outcomes and quality of life showed promising improvements.

Influence of Dietary Zinc Supplementation on Serum Minerals (Zinc, Calcium, Phosphorus) and Liver Enzyme Level (ALP, ALT, GGT) in Layer Chicken

The Indian industry is presently focussed in production of eggs that have higher or enriched levels of certain nutrients. These eggs are capable of safeguarding the health of consumers. Designer eggs have high market demand because of the consumers’ willingness to purchase designer eggs due to its’ nutritional qualities additional to regular eggs. Considering these facts the current study was planned to produce zinc enriched eggs by supplementing laying hens’ diet with required levels of zinc. The present study was conducted at the Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, for 12 weeks. A total of 28 week old thirty two laying hens, belonging to crossbred (White Leghorn N strain and Desi) housed in the animal house attached to the department were used in the experiment. The treatments of this study included a control diet (according to BIS, 2007) fed group and zinc-supplemented group. Each of the experimental treatments had four replicates with four birds with all standard managemental conditions. The functional liver status of birds was not altered due to zinc supplementation, since the present study neither caused any toxicity nor imparted any negative effect on the production performance. Highly significant effect was observed on serum concentration of zinc and calcium. However, the phosphorus levels of treated birds were not significantly different from the control group.

Maternal Fed Zinc-Deficient Diet: Effects on Relaxin Family Peptides and Oxidant System in the Testis and Liver Tissue of Male Offspring

Today, the studies are limited on roles of insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), insulin-like peptide 7 (INSL7), and relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) which are synthesized by the testis. It is aimed to investigate the levels of the sex hormone as testosterone and the family of insulin-like proteins (relaxin family peptides), which are important in the puberty transition, in the testicular and liver tissues of male offspring born to female rats fed a zinc-deficient diet during the pregnancy, and in the changes in lipid peroxidation markers. The study was performed on 40 male offspring. In Group I: Control group, both male offspring and mothers were fed with standard rat chow. In Group II: Zinc deficient diet, both male offspring and mothers were fed a zinc-deficient diet (2.8 mg/kg zinc). In Group III: Normal diet, male offspring fed standard rat chow for 45 days (66th day) after being separated from their mothers with a maternal zinc-deficient diet. In Group IV: Zinc-supplemented diet, offspring fed with zinc supplemented (5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal zinc sulfate, i.p.) in addition to standard rat chow after being separated from their mothers with maternal zinc deficiency until the termination of the study (66th day). Our study suggests that zinc-supplemented diets play an important role in the changes in INSL3, INSL7, RXFP1, and testosterone levels during spermatogenesis. INSL7, INSL3, and RXFP1 levels were higher in zinc-supplemented group than the zinc-deficient diet group. Liver levels of INSL3, INSL7, and MDA were significantly different in zinc-deficiency diet group than zinc-supplemented group.

Zinc supplementation in preterm infants and growth indicators in a developing country

Background Zinc is one of the micronutrients that is found deficient in preterm infants. To date, no parenteral zinc supplements are available in Indonesia and there is no recommendation established for routine zinc supplementation in preterm infants.&#x0D; Objective To evaluate the impact of zinc supplementation on growth indicators and morbidity in preterm infants.&#x0D; Methods This double-blind, randomized controlled trial included preterm infants aged 28-32 weeks who were assigned to one of two groups: the first group received a 10 mg zinc supplementation, while the second (control) group received a placebo. At discharge or at a maximum of 40 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA, calculated from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period), the following were evaluated : growth indicators (weight, length, and head circumference), serum zinc level, zinc supplementation side effects, and morbidity rate (intraventricular hemorrhage/IVH, necrotizing enterocolitis/NEC, btonchopulmonary dysplasia/BPD). Data were analyzed with independent T-test using SPSS version 22 software.&#x0D; Results Seventy-eight subjects were assigned to the zinc supplementation group and 76 subjects were assigned to the placebo group. Serum zinc level and mean body weight increment were significantly higher in the zinc group compared to the placebo group (P=0.00 and P=0.02, respectively). There were no significant differences between groups in mean body length or head circumference increment, nor in morbidity rate.&#x0D; Conclusion Preterm infants who received zinc supplementation have higher serum zinc level and mean body weight increment compared to the placebo group. No side effects are observed to have been caused by zinc supplementation.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Duration of Acute Watery Diarrhoea in Children aged Six Months to Five Years

Background: Diarrheal disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among young children under five years of age in developing countries. The longer duration of diarrhea increases the chance of morbidity and mortality. Zinc supplementation decreases the duration of diarrhea. It is a straightforward, acceptable, low-cost, and effective treatment that could easily be affordable in our country.&#x0D; Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of zinc supplementation on the duration of acute watery diarrhea. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 subjects were included in this study over six months, from December 2014 to May 2015. Detailed information was obtained from each patient. A total of 106 patients were taken. Among them, 53 patients (group A) were given zinc with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), and 53 patients (Group B) were given ORS only. However, three patients in each group were lost during follow-up. Data were analyzed by using a standard statistical method (SPSS version 16.0).&#x0D; Results: The duration of diarrhea was three days in 56% of patients in the zinc-supplemented group, but it was only 20% in the control group. The frequency of stool gradually decreased over five days. It was more marked in zinc supplemented group. The p-value was 0.001. Vomiting occurred in 30% of patients in zinc supplemented group, and in the control group, it was only 20%. The p-value was 0.5. So we conclude that oral zinc administration in acute watery diarrhea (AWD) decreases the duration and causes early recovery and may be considered in the management of AWD.&#x0D; Conclusion: Oral zinc administration in acute watery diarrhea decreases the duration and frequency of diarrhea in children aged six months to five years by changing the natural course of acute diarrheal disease.&#x0D; TAJ 2022; 36: No-1: 107-112

Clinical Study of Evaluating the Efficacy of Zinc Supplementation as Adjuvant Therapy for Severe Pneumonia in Young Children

Background: Pneumonia is described as an inflammation of the lung parenchyma. 1 Pneumonia is a major cause of illness and death in children worldwide, particularly in children under the age of five. Moreover, Preventive zinc supplementation may repair any deficiency that leads to immunodeficiency, and some data showed that it may lower child mortality and morbidity from infectious illnesses, including diarrhoea and pneumonia. Objective: In this study our main goal is to evaluate the efficacy of zinc supplementation as adjuvant therapy for severe pneumonia in young children. Method: This case control observational study was carried out at Tertiary medical college and hospital from June 2020 to 2021 among 200 young children aged &lt;2 months to 5 years suffering from pneumonia. The participants were randomly assigned, following simple randomization procedures (1: 1), to receive zinc or placebo (5 mL every 12 hours) along with the common antibiotic treatments until discharge, was considered as a zinc supplement group, n=100. Patient assigned to placebo received the same solution as zinc supplement syrup but without zinc, which was considered as a non-zinc group, n=100. Results: During the study, maximum numbers of study group were in the age group 6 months to 2 years (56%) and (52%). Plus, in both group majority were male. In both group cough complaints was common, 100%. In zinc therapy group all had fever and hurried breathing and 9.6% had cold. Where as in non-zinc group all had cough followed by 90.4% had fever, 95.2% had hurried breath, 23.8% had cold. In zinc supplement group about 47.60% children had oxygen saturation less than 90 at the time of admission whereas about 53.30% children had oxygen saturation higher than 90 at the time. in zinc supplementation group mean time for resolution of distress was 52.45±33.98, mean time to be asymptomatic was 64.52±36.03, mean duration of hospital stay was 6.10±3.55.. whereas in non-zinc group mean time for resolution of .....

Impact of zinc supplementation and serum zinc levels on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that requires a multifaceted approach to manage the disease, including lifestyle changes, medication, and monitoring blood glucose levels. Zinc is an essential micronutrient that plays a critical role in regulating insulin secretion, glucose metabolism, and immune function. Zinc supplementation may improve glycemic control and reduce oxidative stress in people with type 2 DM. Objectives: To determine whether zinc supplementation can enhance glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients by investigating the relationship between serum zinc levels and glycemic control. Methodology: 100 participants with type 2 DM were recruited from local DM clinics and hospitals to participate in the study. Fifty participants were assigned to the zinc supplementation group and fifty to the placebo group. At the beginning and conclusion of the 12-week study period, serum zinc, HbA1c, and fasting plasma glucose levels were measured using blood samples. Using the t-test and regression analysis, SPSS (version 23.0) was used to conduct statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 58.2 years, and the majority had a BMI greater than 25. There were no significant differences between the two categories in terms of participant characteristics.

Effect of zinc supplement on patients with trauma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to assess the effect of zinc supplementation, with or without other antioxidants and trace elements, on clinical outcomes in patients with trauma. A systematic review was conducted for adult patients with acute trauma who had been admitted to the hospital. Those who sustained burn injuries were excluded. Studies in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from 1990 to 2022 regarding the additional nutrition supplementation of zinc to patients, either in a single-agent or combined regimen, were included. Comparisons were made between the zinc supplement group and those who received a placebo or regular treatment. The primary outcomes of the study were mortality rate, length of hospital stay, and incidence of pneumonia. Seven studies qualified for the meta-analysis. Of the 594 patients eligible for analysis, 290 and 304 were in the zinc supplementation and control groups, respectively. The meta-analysis revealed that zinc supplementation was associated with a lower risk of pneumonia in patients with acute trauma than in the control group (odds ratio [OR], 0.506; 95% CI = 0.292-0.877; P = 0.015; heterogeneity, I2 = 12.7%). Zinc supplementation did not influence the mortality rate (OR, 0.755; 95% CI = 0.492-1.16; P = 0.612; heterogeneity, I2 = 0%) or the length of hospital stay (standard difference in means, -0.24; 95% CI = -0.544 to 0.063; P = 0.121; heterogeneity, I2 = 45.0%). Zinc supplementation, with or without other antioxidants and trace elements, in patients with trauma was associated with a lower incidence of pneumonia.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation in Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Neonates

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious condition involving the gastrointestinal tract and is one of the most common causes of death in neonates. It occurs due to various factors including the altered immune response of the premature intestinal tract against gut microbiota, resulting in inflammation and damage to the gut. Objective: To find out the effect of Zinc in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in very preterm infants in the first 2 weeks of life. Methods: It was a double-blind randomized control trial held in the Neonatology section of Pediatric Medicine unit-II, Mayo hospital Lahore. The duration of the study was 11 months after the approval of the synopsis from August 2019 to July 2020. A total of 94 patients were included in the studies (95% confidence level, 7% absolute precision). Probability sampling, a simple random sampling technique was used. The study included 94 patients, 28 weeks to 32 weeks of gestational age. Results: In this study, the mean age of neonates was 54.85±11.60 hours, 51(54.26%) patients were male whereas 43(45.74%) patients were females. A birth weight having &lt;1 kg was observed in 20(21.3%) patients and a birth weight between 1-2 kg was observed in 49(52.1%) patients. Necrotizing enterocolitis was developed among 6(6.38%) patients. Among the zinc supplementation group, the NEC developed in 2(4.3%) patients whereas, among the placebo group, the NEC developed in 4(8.5%) patients (p-value=0.677).Conclusion: This study concluded that zinc supplementation did not prove any preventive effect against necrotizing enterocolitis in very preterm infants.

Effect of zinc and vitamin E supplementation on production performance of lactating buffaloes

The trial involved twenty four early lactating Murrah buffaloes randomly selected and divided into four groups T0, T1, T2 and T3 comprising six animals in each group. The experimental Group T0 received basal ration containing concentrate mixture, paragrass and paddy straw, Group T1 received basal ration + 40 ppm zinc/animal/day, Group T2 received basal ration + vitamin E 1000 IU/animal/day and Group T3 received basal ration with combination of zinc 40 ppm + vitamin E 1000 IU for 13 weeks trial period. The average dry matter intake of buffaloes from various Experimental groups was comparable. The average milk yield and FCM yield of Group T3 was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher than Group T0 and T1, however, difference between T2 and T3 was comparable. The feed efficiency in terms of DM intake/kg FCM yield was significantly (P&lt;0.01) better in Group T3 than Group T0 and T1. The average milk composition was not affected by the feed treatment. The milk somatic cell count was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lowered in all Supplemented group. Thus, it is concluded that the supplementation of zinc 40 ppm and vitamin E 1000 IU and their combination found to be beneficial for increasing milk production and improving milk quality in term of lower somatic cell count and such supplementation is cost effective and beneficial for dairy farmers. More benefits were recorded in combination of zinc and vitamin E Supplemented group than the unsupplemented or only zinc Supplemented groups.

Zinc Sulfate and Omega-3: Do They Have a Role in Environmental Enteric Dysfunction ?

Introduction: Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a subclinical, chronic inflammatory condition of the gut. The purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of zinc sulphate and omega-3 supplementation on anthropometric measurements and faecal EED biomarkers (α-1-antitrypsin (AAT), Neopterin (NEO), and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) in underweight and stunted children as an intervention for EED. Subjects and Methods: An interventional study included 105 underweight and stunted children, divided into two subgroups: one subjected to intervention with zinc supplementation (55 children) and the other subjected to intervention with omega-3 supplementation (50 children) for 6 months. Assessment of anthropometric measurements and faecal EED biomarkers: AAT, NEO, and MPO. Results: Regarding the zinc intervention group, post-intervention weight, weight z score, height, height z score, and BMI z score were highly significantly improved after 6 months of zinc supplementation (p value ≤ 0.001). Serum zinc level was highly significant increased after supplementation (p value ≤ 0.001), while AAT and NEO were highly significant and significant decreased (p value ≤ 0.001) (p value ≤ 0.05) respectively. Regarding the omega-3 intervention group, post-intervention weight, weight z score, height, and height z score were highly significantly improved after 6 months of omega-3 supplementation (p value ≤ 0.001). Meanwhile, no significant change was observed for serum iron and zinc level (p value ≥ 0.05) or EED faecal markers except for AAT, which was highly significant for decreasing after supplementation (p value ≤ 0.001). A significant increase in weight, height, and serum zinc level was observed in the zinc supplementation group more than in the omega-3 supplementation group (p value ≤ 0.05). Alongside no significant difference post intervention in EED fecal markers between the two groups (p value ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: No definite drug intervention or supplementation is documented as appropriate management. Zinc sulphate supplementation is thought to be more beneficial than omega-3 supplementation, as evidenced by the improvement of anthropometric measurements and decrease of EED faecal markers.

Effect of zinc supplementation on growth of preterm infants

Background and objectives: Nutritional deficits are almost universal in low-birth weight babies. This study aimed to show the effect of zinc supplementation on growth and certain hematological parameters in preterm infants. Methods: The current case-control study was carried out on 80 healthy preterm infants below 37 weeks of age divided into two groups. The first group was a zinc-supplemented group fed with breast milk exclusively and supplemented with zinc (2 mg/kg/day) since the first day of life. The second group was a non-zinc-supplemented group fed with breast milk exclusively (without zinc supplementation). Both groups were followed up at the age of 4 months for monitoring growth and determining serum zinc and hemoglobin levels. Results: With the beginning of the study; there was no significant statistical difference between the zinc supplemented &amp; non zinc supplemented groups in weight (2.4±0.2 kg vs 2.5±0.4kg), length (45.0±1.6 cm vs 45.2±1.5 cm) and occipitofrontal circumference (31.5±1.2 cm vs 31.5±1.1cm) respectively, but there was statistical significant difference at 4 months follow up with regard to weight (6.2±0.3 kg vs 6.0±0.2 kg) and length (63.2±2.1 cm vs 61.1±2.0 cm). Also, there was a highly significant increase in serum hemoglobin levels (11.7±1.6 gm/dl vs 10.6±1.5 gm/dl) and serum zinc level (101.2±8.1 µg/dl vs 84.1±7.0 µg/dl) in the zinc-supplemented group compared to the non-zinc-supplemented group at 4 months follow up. Conclusion: Zinc supplementation was found to be effective to enhance the growth as well as increasing serum zinc and hemoglobin levels in early months of life of preterm infants.

Comparison of Mean Weight, Length and Head Circumference in Preterm Neonates with Zinc Supplement Group Versus without Zinc Supplement Group

Objective: To compare mean weight, length and head circumference in preterm neonates with zinc supplement group versus without zinc supplement group. Design of the Study: Randomized controlled trial Study Settings: The study was carried out in the Pediatric Department of Lahore General Hospital Lahore from February 2021 to July 2021. Material and Methods: There were two groups of babies: one that received Zinc supplementation and one that did not (not treated with Zinc supplements). An electronic weighing scale was used to measure weight prior to intervention. Mothers were given two bottles of supplement containing zinc when their newborns were 7 to 21 days old, before being discharged from the hospital, and encouraged to feed their babies orally at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day with other multivitamins for six weeks (study group). For the same period of time, the participants in the control group were advised to take only multivitamins. Additionally, anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, and head circumference were taken. Results of the Study: In our study, mean age was calculated as 33.74+1.36 weeks in study and 33.64+1.38 weeks in control group, 54.76%(n=23) in study and 59.52%(n=25) in control group were male while 45.24%(n=19) in study and 40.48%(n=17) in control group were females Conclusion: Preterm neonates supplemented with zinc were significantly better than those without zinc supplementation with regards to mean weight, length and head circumference Keywords: Preterm neonates, zinc supplementation, birthweight, body length, head circumference

Effect of zinc supplementation on circulating concentrations of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate in a postmenopausal population

IntroductionThe decrease in estrogen levels associated with menopause increases the risk of deficiencies of key micronutrients such as zinc and of disturbances in methylation cycle-related markers. The present study assesses the effect of 8-week Zn supplementation upon circulating concentrations of Hcy, B12, and Fol levels in a population of postmenopausal women. MethodsFifty-one postmenopausal women aged between 44 and 76 years took part in the study. Two randomized groups (placebo and zinc [50 mg/day]) were treated during 8 weeks. Nutrient intake was assessed based on the 72-hour recall method. Zinc was analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Clinical-nutritional parameters were determined by enzyme immunoassay techniques. ResultsFolate levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the zinc group on comparing the baseline versus follow-up values. Homocysteine decreased in the inter-group analysis (p < 0.05) after the intervention. Furthermore, higher folate (r = −0.632; p = 0.005) and vitamin B12 (r = −0.512; p = 0.030) levels were correlated to low homocysteine levels in the zinc group after the intervention, although the zinc intervention had the same effect on B12 levels in both groups. ConclusionZinc supplementation enhanced circulating folate and homocysteine by improving the folate values in the zinc-supplemented group and decreasing homocysteine levels inter-groups. Further studies involving larger samples and optimizing the doses and intervention period are needed to reinforce our main findings.

Efficacy of Zinc Supplement in Minimal hepatic Encephalopathy: A prospective, Randomized Controlled Study (Zinc-MHE Trial).

Background:Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in patients with cirrhosis of the liver has a negative impact on the quality of daily life by impairing attention, memory and visuomotor coordination, and resulting in cognitive decline. Ammonia is thought to be part of the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. Zinc is an essential trace element, one of the cofactor enzymes that is essential for the conversion of ammonia to urea. Aim:To assess the effect of zinc supplementation on psychomotor performance in cirrhotic patients with MHE. Methods:This prospective, randomized, controlled trial recruited 69 cirrhotic patients (age 18-75 years) diagnosed with MHE by neuropsychometric (NP) tests comprised of the number connection test part A (NCT-A), number connection test part B (NCT-B), serial dot test (SDT), line tracing test (LTT) and digit symbol test (DST). Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) by a computer-based system block of four randomizations to receive 45 mg of elemental zinc or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the absolute change in NP tests from baseline to 12-weeks of zinc supplement compared with placebo. The assessment of changes of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the Short Form survey-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, as well as biochemical parameters including serum ammonia, was also conducted in both groups. Results:From January to December 2020, 125 eligible cirrhotic patients were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, of whom 69 (55%) had MHE and were randomly assigned to treatment: 35 patients were assigned to receive 45 mg of elemental zinc and the others 34 patients to receive placebo. Significant improvements in NP tests were established in the zinc supplement group when compared with the placebo group (NCT-A, p = 0.029; NCT-B, p = 0.008; SDT, p = 0.002; DST, p = <0.001). A significant improvement of HRQOL assessed by the SF-36 score was only seen in the zinc group (p<0.001). In the zinc supplement group, not only was an improvement in psychomotor performance reported, but quality of life was also improved, irrespective of baseline zinc level. Conclusion:Twelve weeks of zinc supplement in cirrhotic patients with MHE not only had a positive effect on psychomotor performance but also improved HRQOL irrespective to baseline zinc level.

The effects of maternal zinc deficiency on myometrial contractility: an in vitro study

Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of zinc-supplemented or zinc-deficient diet on myometrial contractility during pregnancy. Material and Method: The patients were divided in four groups as Group 1 (n=5) fed with zinc-deficient diet, Group 2 (n=5) fed with zinc-supplemented diet, Group 3 (n=5) fed with normal diet, and Group 4 (n=5) as the control group and in vitro contractility study was conducted in the myometrial samples taken from these four groups, and intergroup comparison was performed for the results. The p&lt;0.05 was accepted as significant. Results: In the evaluation of the contractility data, it was determined that the strength and period of contraction and also the frequencies increased in the zinc-supplemented group compared to the other groups. The difference was found to be significant only in frequency ( p&lt;0.05). In the intergroup comparison, the frequency was found to be significantly higher in the zinc-supplemented group than all the other groups ( p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: This in vitro finding can indicate the importance of zinc supplementation during pregnancy for postpartum bleeding.

The effects of Zinc-Methionine on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance during late pregnancy in ewes

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplements of Zinc-Methionine (Zn-Met) on the zinc concentration of the blood and indices such as insulin resistance and glucose tolerance in late-pregnancy ewes to provide a practical solution to prevent metabolic diseases associated with energy status. In this research, 18 Makouei pregnant ewes were selected and randomized into 3 experimental groups: Group 1: Basal diet containing 10.3 mg Zn/kgDM and no zinc supplementation = CTR (Control); Group 2: Basal diet supplemented with low-dose zinc equivalent to the pregnancy requirements (30 mg Zn/kgDM) = LZN; Group 3: Basal diet supplemented with high-dose zinc (300 mg Zn/kgDM) = HZN. Blood samples for insulin resistance and glucose tolerance indices were collected according to standard methods. The results of this study indicated that supplementation of high-dose Zn-Met decreased (P < 0.05) blood glucose and tended (P < 0.1) to reduce the beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations. After intravenous injection of glucose and insulin, none of the glucose tolerance and insulin resistance indices were significant among groups (P > 0.05). However, the intravenous glucose tolerance test (IGTT) showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of serum glucose in the HZN group was numerically lower than that of the LZN and CTR groups. Furthermore, the numerically higher clearance rate (CR) of glucose and more negative glucose AUC following intravenous administration of insulin in Zinc-supplemented groups suggested that the ewes had greater insulin response than control group. The results showed a decrease in blood glucose concentration due to higher zinc intake after insulin injection and supported the evidence for improving insulin sensitivity. In addition, our results showed that ewes receiving zinc supplementation experienced a more favorable state of BHB or NEFA values. In conclusion, Zn-Met supplementation was found to have promising effects in improving energy metabolism in late pregnant ewes. However, further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms involved in regulating lipolysis and energy metabolism.

Should we supplement zinc in COVID-19 patients? Evidence from a meta-analysis.

Preliminary retrospective reports showed that zinc supplementation may decrease mortality in patients with COVID-19, postulating the potential therapeutic efficacy of zinc in the management of the disease. We sought to summarize the studies published to date regarding the antiviral activity of zinc in patients with COVID-19. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the outcomes of hospitalized patients receiving zinc supplementation and those treated with standard care. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and length of stay in hospital or intensive care unit (ICU). Data relating to 1474 patients included in 4 studies were analyzed. Survival to hospital discharge was 56.8% in the zinc group compared with 75.9% in the nonzinc group (P = 0.88). In-hospital mortality was 22.3% in the zinc group compared with 13.6% in the standard care group (P = 0.16). The mean (SD) length of hospital stay was 7.7 (3.7) days in the zinc group and 7.2 (3.9) days in the standard treatment group (P <⁠0.001). The mean (SD) length of ICU stay was 4.9 (1.7) days in the zinc group and 5.8 (1.9) days in the standard care group (P = 0.009). Zinc supplementation did not have any beneficial impact on the course of COVID-19 evaluated as survival to hospital discharge and in-hospital mortality. The zinc-supplemented group had longer hospital stay despite shorter ICU stay. At present, there are no evidence-based data to support routine zinc supplementation in patients with COVID-19.