Zinc-supplemented Group Research Articles

Comparison of birth weights of neonates of mothers receiving vs. not receiving zinc supplement at pregnancy

BackgroundZinc is an essential element for normal embryogenesis and embryonic and neonatal development. Therefore, we compared the birth weights of neonates born to mothers who consumed zinc supplement during pregnancy with that of neonates born to mothers who did not.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, we divided 200 pregnant mothers into two groups: case group (mothers receiving zinc supplement during pregnancy) and control group (mothers not receiving zinc supplement during pregnancy) Then, the neonate’s cord zinc level and mother’s serum level were measured and neonate’s growth charts (weight, height and head circumference)were completed.ResultsIn this study, both groups of mothers were observed to have zinc deficiency; 35% of the mothers who consumed zinc supplements and 81% of the mothers who did not consume zinc supplements (P < 0.001). Based on the results, maternal serum of zinc (P < 0.001), neonatal birth weight (P = 0.008), maternal age (P < 0.001) and parity (P < 0.01) in zinc-supplemented group were higher. Neonatal birth weight was associated moderately with mother’s zinc serum levels and poorly with neonatal serum zinc levels.ConclusionZinc consumption during pregnancy increases serum zinc level of mother and neonatal weight. Neonatal weight has a higher correlation to maternal serum zinc level.

Nutrition Education of Mothers and Zinc Supplementation among Children in the Rural Community, Cameroon

Aims: Malnutrition among children, especially stunting is a public health problem in Cameroon. This study assesses the impact of zinc supplementation of children and nutrition education of mothers on the nutritional status of the children in the Bangang rural community.&#x0D; Study Design: This was a descriptive and prospective study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in the Bangang community in the Region of West Cameroon, during the period from March to December 2015.&#x0D; Methodology: The children aged 6 to 48 months and mothers aged 20 to 34 years were selected after the baseline survey and enrolled. Dietary surveys were used to evaluate the frequency of foods consumed by 150 children. Zinc supplementation group of children (ZSG, n= 25) received 10 mg of zinc sulfate tablets per day for 14 days and control group (CG, n=25) was formed by children whose mothers received nutrition counseling. The nutrition education sessions organized into 4 modules were conducted quarterly for 9 months on a sample of 100 mothers. After interventions, impact of zinc supplementation and maternal education was assessed by determining height for age and weight for age indices, and biochemistry parameters.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that zincemia of ZSG varied significantly (P = .0001) and not significantly (P = .23) for CG. After nutrition education, dietary diversity was improved; reduction of chronic malnutrition (10.9%) and increasing number of children with good nutritional status (6.6%) were observed. Increased for phosphoremia (3.6 ± 2.4 to 5.7 ± 1.8 mg/dl; P = .001) and albuminemia (34.8 ± 15.5 to 46.9 ± 8.9 g/l; P = .002) were significant which was not the case of calcemia, zincemia, magnesemia and serum iron.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study showed positive impact of zinc supplementation and maternal education on the nutritional status of children.

Zinc gluconate supplementation impacts the clinical improvement in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the mucous membrane of the colon. The pathogenesis is not clear, but there is evidence of a complex interaction between genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. In this regard, we highlight the role of zinc in the immune system and probable control of the disease. This study evaluated the effect of zinc supplementation on the inflammatory response in patients with ulcerative colitis. A blind interventional study involving 41 patients of both sexes, who underwent either zinc gluconate supplementation (n = 23), or treatment with a placebo (corn starch) (n = 18). Patients were evaluated for dietary zinc intake, plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations, and serum levels of Th1/Th2/Th17 type cytokines at baseline (T0) and 30 (T1) and 60 (T2) days after intervention. Patients in the zinc supplementation group had a lower probability of having an adequate zinc intake than placebo. In this same group, there was a significant difference between plasma zinc concentrations (T1 in relation to T0, T2 in relation to T1, and T2 in relation to T0) and erythrocyte zinc (T1 in relation to T0 and T2 in relation to T1). Zinc supplementation resulted in significant changes in the concentrations of IL-2 and IL-10 without differences in the other interleukins. Zinc gluconate intervention in patients with ulcerative colitis improves the nutritional status of this mineral in these patients and positively influences their clinical outcome, reinforcing the role of zinc as an important dietary component in disease control.

Effect of zinc supplementation on relative expression of immune response genes in neonates with sepsis: A preliminary study.

Background & objectives:Zinc alters gene expression mainly by binding to a site on the transcription factor. Genome-wide expression studies have shown early repression of genes related to zinc and immunity in adult patients with sepsis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of zinc supplementation on relative expression of immune response genes in neonatal sepsis.Methods:In the present study, a sample of convenience of 22 neonates each was selected from the zinc supplemented and control groups using random numbers for expression of immune-related genes by zinc supplementation. These neonates with sepsis were earlier randomized into two groups: with and without zinc supplementation in addition to standard antibiotics and supportive care. Relative expression of immune response genes were analyzed for 22 neonates in each group using quantitative real-time PCR for calprotectin (S100A8/A9), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) genes.Results:An increase in serum zinc levels was observed in zinc-supplemented group compared to controls. S100A8 gene showed downregulation by three-fold (P<0.001) and S100A9 gene showed upregulation by two-fold (P<0.05) in zinc group compared to controls. CD14 gene showed upregulation by one-fold in zinc-supplemented group compared to controls (P<0.05). No significant fold changes were observed with respect to TNF-α, IL-6, LBP and TLR-4 genes between the two groups.Interpretation & conclusions:The results of our preliminary study showed that the zinc supplementation might modulates the relative expression of immune-related genes involved in sepsis pathway among neonates. However, studies with larger sample size are needed to be done to provide a better picture on the outcome by gene expression in neonatal sepsis by zinc supplementation.

Effect of Zinc Nanoparticles on Milk Yield, Milk Composition and Somatic Cell Count in Early-Lactating Barbari Does.

Nano minerals have better bioavailability, efficient utilization, smaller dose rate, and stable interactions within the biological system. Efficacy of dietary supplementation of nano zinc particles on milk yield, milk composition, and somatic cell count was studied in periparturient Barbari does. Twenty-four Barbari goats (mean body weight 35 ± 1.5 kg) of about 4 months of pregnancy were divided into four groups (Gr I, Gr II, Gr III, and Gr IV) of six animals each. All the does were fed a common basal diet (containing 38.96 mg Zn/kg DM) of concentrate pellet and Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum) straw. No zinc was supplemented in does of Gr I (control group), while Gr II, Gr III, and Gr IV does were supplemented with 20 ppm inorganic zinc oxide, 10 ppm of nano zinc, and 20 ppm of nano zinc respectively. The experimental feeding was done for 75 days (30 days before kidding to 45 days after kidding). Results showed that yield and composition of milk in different groups of lactating does were not significantly (P < 0.05) affected by zinc supplementation. The percentages of solid-nonfat, fat, protein, lactose, and total solid were comparable (P > 0.05) among different groups of lactating does. The milk mineral levels of Zn, Cu, Na, Ca, and K were statistically similar (P > 0.05) in all the groups of goats. There was significantly (P < 0.05) lower somatic cell count (SCC) in zinc-supplemented groups (Gr II, Gr III, and Gr IV) as compared with the control (Gr I) group of does. SCC was lowest in Gr IV followed by Gr III, Gr II, and Gr I. The present study concluded that supplementation of inorganic zinc @ 20 ppm and nano zinc @ 10 and 20 ppm had no significant effect on milk yield/composition but reduced milk somatic cell count. The efficacy of nano zinc was found to be better as compared with normal inorganic form.

Therapeutic Role of Zinc Supplementation in Children Hospitalized with Pneumonia.

IntroductionPneumonia is one of the major causes of death in children younger than age five, especially in developing countries. The World Health Organization recommends children from a developing country take zinc supplements. We conducted this study to explore the efficacy of zinc supplementation in alleviating symptoms and shortening of hospital stay in children with pneumonia.Materials and methodsWe conducted this prospective, randomized controlled trial in the Department of Pediatrics, Civil Hospital, Jamshoro. We included 100 children of both genders randomized into two equal groups of zinc-supplemented and non-zinc-supplemented study groups after informed consent was obtained from the parents and legal guardians. The participants were aged 28 days to five years and admitted in the hospital with pneumonia. We monitored for hypoxia, tachypnea, chest indrawing, and cyanosis, and we recorded the total length of hospital stay for each group.ResultsWe found no significant difference in symptom changes (i.e., hypoxia, tachypnea, chest indrawing, and cyanosis) between the zinc and non-zinc groups. However, hospital length of stay was significantly shorter for patients in the zinc-supplemented group compared to the non-zinc-supplemented group.ConclusionZinc supplementation did not yield a statistically significant reduction in symptoms in children with severe pneumonia. Zinc supplements given during an acute episode are not beneficial in short-term clinical recovery from severe pneumonia in hospitalized children.

Zinc supplementation reduces Candida infections in pediatric intensive care unit: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Resistance to anti-fungal drugs has become the main cause for increasing incidence rate of Candida infections in pediatric intensive care units (PICU). Zinc supplementation has been shown to exhibit beneficial effects on many pediatric illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of zinc supplementation on prevalence of candidemia and candiduria infections in PICU. 724 eligible children between 1 to 5 years old admitted in PICU were randomly assigned into either zinc supplementation group or placebo group. Primary endpoints were the number of Candida infections, length of PICU stay and cases of patient death 14 days after enrollment. Secondary endpoints were the incidence rates of candidemia and candiduria. The incidences of candiduria and candidemia were significantly lower in the zinc group than the placebo group. The length of PICU stay and cases of patient death were obviously lowered in the zinc group compared to the placebo group. In conclusion, zinc supplementation shows beneficial clinical efficacy in reducing Candida infections among PICU patients on broad-spectrum antibiotics with critical illnesses.

Effects of Dietary Organic, Inorganic, and Nanoparticulate Zinc on Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss Larvae

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different dietary zinc sources on growth performance, survival, and body composition of larval rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. A total of 3240 larvae with an average weight of 82.3 ± 11.6mg were randomly divided into four groups by three replicates and were fed for 70days. Organic zinc (Zn-proteinate, Bioplex Zn®), mineral zinc (ZnSO4), and nanoparticulate zinc (ZnO-NPs) were each added to the basal diet at 50-mg/kg diet. In all of the zinc-supplemented groups, final body weight (FBW) and weight gain (WG) increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to the control at the termination of the feeding trial. There was no significant difference in specific growth rate (SGR) in experimental groups. Fish fed with mineral and nanoparticulate zinc, respectively, demonstrated the highest and lowest survival rates (P < 0.05) as compared to other experimental diets. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in groups fed with organic and mineral zinc. There were no significant differences in protein, lipid, moisture, and ash content among fish fed the experimental diets. Fish fed mineral zinc showed the highest (P < 0.05) zinc content in the whole body than the other groups. The data of the present study confirm positive effects of the use of 50mgkg-1 of zinc sources in early diet to enhance growth performance of rainbow trout larvae.

Modulation of ruminal and intestinal fermentation by medicinal plants and zinc from different sources.

Two experiments were conducted on sheep to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with zinc and a medicinal plant mixture on haematological parameters and microbial activity in the rumen and large intestine. In Experiment 1, 24 male lambs were randomly divided into four groups: One group was fed an unsupplemented basal diet (control), and three groups were fed a diet supplemented with 70mg Zn/kg diet in the form of Zn sulphate (ZnSO4 ), a Zn-chelate of glycine hydrate (Zn-Gly) or a Zn-proteinate (Zn-Pro), for five months. The ruminal content was collected separately from each lamb, and batch cultures of ruminal fluid were incubated in vitro with mixture of medicinal plants (Mix) with different roughage:concentrate ratios (800:200 and 400:600, w/w). Bioactive compounds in Mix were quantified by UPLC/MS/MS. In Experiment 2, four sheep were fed a diet consisting of meadow hay and barley grain (400:600, w/w), with Zn-Gly (70mg Zn/kg diet), Mix (10% replacement of meadow hay) or Zn-Gly and Mix (Zn-Gly-Mix) as supplements in a Latin square design. Mix decreased total gas (p<0.001) and methane (p<0.01) production in vitro. In Experiment 1, caecal isobutyrate and isovalerate concentrations varied among the dietary treatments (p<0.01). The isovalerate concentration of the zinc-supplemented groups in the distal colon was higher (p<0.001) compared with the control. In Experiment 2, the molar proportion of isobutyrate was the highest in the faeces of the sheep fed the diet with Zn-Gly-Mix (p<0.01). The plasma zinc concentration was higher in the groups fed a diet supplemented with zinc (p<0.001). The haematological profile and antioxidant status did not differ between the dietary groups (p>0.05). The diets containing medicinal plants and organic zinc thus helped to modulate the characteristics of fermentation in ruminants.

Effect of Zinc and Melatonin on Oxidative Stress and Serum Inhibin-B Levels in a Rat Testicular Torsion–Detorsion Model

The present study was aimed to examine the effects of 3-week zinc and melatonin administration on testicular tissue injury and serum Inhibin-B levels caused by unilateral testicular torsion-detorsion in rats. The study was performed on 60 Wistar Albino-type adult male rats. The animals were allocated to 6 groups in equal numbers. 1. Control; 2. Sham; 3. Ischemia-reperfusion; 4. Zinc+ischemia-reperfusion; 5. Melatonin+ischemia-reperfusion; 6. Zinc+melatonin+ischemia-reperfusion. Zinc and melatonin were administered before ischemia-reperfusion at doses of 5 and 3mg/kg respectively, by intraperitoneal route for a period of 3weeks. Testicular torsion-detorsion procedures consisted of ischemia for 1h and then reperfusion for another hour of the left testis. Blood and testicular tissue samples were collected to analyze erythrocyte and tissue GSH and plasma and tissue MDA, Inhibin-B levels. The highest erythrocyte and testis GSH values were found in zinc, melatonin, and zinc+melatonin groups (p<0.001). Torsion-detorsion group has significantly lower erythrocyte GSH levels and higher plasma MDA values (p<0.001). Serum inhibin-B and spermatogenic activity levels in the torsion-detorsion group were also significantly lower than those in the other groups (p<0.001). However, zinc-, melatonin-, and melatonin+zinc-supplemented groups have higher inhibin-B and spermatogenetic activity (p<0.001). The results of the study show that zinc, melatonin, and melatonin+zinc administration partially restores the increased oxidative stress, as well as the reduced inhibin-B and spermatogenic activity levels in testes ischemia-reperfusion in rats. Suppressed inhibin-B levels in the testicular tissue may be a marker of oxidative stress.

Impact of Zinc Supplementation on the Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Severe Head Trauma: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

ABSTRACTTo determine the effects of zinc supplementation on clinical outcomes of patients with severe head trauma, this double-blind clinical trial randomly allocated 100 patients with severe head trauma, aged between 18 to 65 years, to receive placebo or 120 mg zinc via a nasogastric tube for 15 days. Plasma zinc and copper, 24-hour urinary zinc excretion, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) were assessed on days 1, 7, and 16. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count were measured on days 1 and 16. Glasgow outcome score (GOS), mortality rate on day 28, and length of stay (LOS) were compared between groups. There were no significant differences in baseline data between groups (all p > .05). Mean plasma zinc concentration was significantly higher in the zinc group than the placebo group on day 7 (119.5 vs. 81.7 µg/dl, p < .001) and day 16 (124.1 vs. 101.1 µg/dl, p < .001). The SOFA, GOS, and inflammation factors were significantly better in the zinc-supplemented group by day 16 (all p < .05). The LOS was shorter (52 vs. 65 days, p = .043) and mortality rate on day 28 was borderline lower (17% vs. 22%, p = .507) in zinc versus placebo groups. Zinc supplementation in the study had favorable effects on GOS, SOFA score, and inflammatory markers in patients with severe head injury.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ZINC;

Background: Nutrition is an important determinant of bone health. Micronutrients,other than calcium has been paid less attention to-date in the prevention and treatment of bonediseases. Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of zinc on high salt induced gross changesin humerus and femur of rats. Study design: Analytical control randomized trial. Place andduration of study: Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, hosted the research withthe cooperation of National Institute of Health; Islamabad. The study was approved by Ethicalreview committee of Riphah international university before its initiation. It took six months tocomplete the research (Sep 2015-March 2016). Material and methods: Forty five adult femaleSprague Dawley, 10-12 weeks old rats were used in the study. Three groups were made, eachhaving fifteen rats. Control group C (N=15) received laboratory diet without any alteration.Experimental group A (N=15) were served with high salt diet (8%NaCl) whereas experimentalgroup B (N=15) animals were given high salt diet augmented with zinc (50mg/kg/day).Allgroups were given the diet for eight weeks. Animals were weighed at the start and end ofstudy after which they were sacrificed. Left humeri and femora of all rats were obtained. Weightand mid shaft diameters of bones were recorded. The results were compiled after comparisonamongst all the groups. Results: Marked gross changes were witnessed in experimentalgroups. These changes were of greater severity in high salt diet group as compared to the zincsupplemented group in which reverse beneficial effects were noticed. After zinc administration,there was substantial increase in the weight of animals and bones with concurrent increase inmid shaft diameters. Conclusion: Zinc has a Protective role against high salt induced damageon the gross parameters of bones.

Maize Milling Method Affects Growth and Zinc Status but Not Provitamin A Carotenoid Bioefficacy in Male Mongolian Gerbils

Background: Vitamin A (VA) and zinc deficiencies are prevalent. Maize is a common staple, and milling affects nutrient and nutrient-modifier profiles.Objective: We investigated the interaction of maize milling methods (i.e., whole grain compared with refined) in male Mongolian gerbils aged 29–35 d with conventionally bred provitamin A–biofortified (orange) or white maize on VA and zinc status.Methods: Study 1 (n = 67) was a 2 × 3 milling (whole compared with refined) by VA [no–vitamin A placebo group (VA−), orange, and VA-supplemented group (VA+)] design, with 4 wk of VA depletion followed by six 4-wk treatments (n = 10/treatment). Study 2 (n = 33) was a 2 × 2 milling-by-zinc [no-zinc placebo group (Zn−) compared with zinc-supplemented group (Zn+)] design, including 2 wk of VA depletion followed by four 3-wk treatments (n = 8–9/treatment). For study 1, positive and negative control groups were given supplemental VA at equimolar amounts to β-carotene equivalents consumed by the orange groups (74 ± 5 nmol/d) or placebo, respectively. For study 2, positive and negative control groups were given 152 μg Zn/d or placebo, respectively.Results: Milling significantly affected zinc concentration, providing 44–45% (whole grain) or 9–14% (refined) NRC requirements. In study 1, orange maize improved liver VA concentrations (mean ± SD: 0.28 ± 0.08 μmol/g) compared with the white maize groups (0.072 ± 0.054 μmol/g). Provitamin A bioefficacy was similar. In study 2, neither zinc nor milling influenced liver retinol. Refined Zn− gerbils weighed less than others by day 14 (46.6 ± 7.1 compared with 56.5 ± 3.5 g, respectively; P < 0.0001). Milling affected pancreas zinc concentrations (refined Zn−: 21.1 ± 1.8 μg Zn/g; whole Zn−: 32.5 ± 5.8 μg Zn/g).Conclusions: Whole-grain intake improved zinc and did not affect provitamin A bioefficacy. Other factors affected by milling (e.g., shelf life, preference, aflatoxin fractioning) need to be considered to maximize health.

Effects of zinc supplementation on catch-up growth in children with failure to thrive.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESAlthough globally the numbers of children diagnosed with failure to thrive (FTT) have decreased, FTT is still a serious pediatric problem. We aimed to investigate the effects of zinc supplementation for 6 months on growth parameters of infants and children with FTT.SUBJECTS/METHODSIn this retrospective study, of the 114 participants aged between 4 months and 6 years, 89 were included in the zinc supplementation group and were provided with nutrition counseling plus an oral zinc supplement for 6 months. The caregivers of the 25 participants in the control group received nutrition counseling alone. Medical data of these children, including sex, age, height, weight, serum zinc level, and serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) level were analyzed.RESULTSZinc supplementation for 6 months increased weight-for-age Z-score and serum zinc levels (5.5%) in the zinc supplementation group of underweight category children. As for stunting category, height-for-age Z-score of the participants in the zinc supplementation group increased when compared with the baseline, and serum zinc levels increased in the normal or mild stunting group. Serum IGF1 levels did not change significantly in any group. Thus, zinc supplementation was more effective in children in the underweight category than those in the stunted category; this effect differed according to the degree of the FTT.CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest that zinc supplementation may have beneficial effects for growth of infants and children with FTT, and zinc supplementation would be required according to degree of FTT.

The effectiveness of zinc supplementation in men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

A multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled superiority trial with 18 months of follow-up was conducted to investigate whether oral zinc supplementation could further promote spermatogenesis in males with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) receiving sequential purified urinary follicular-stimulating hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin (uFSH/hCG) replacement. Sixty-seven Chinese male IHH patients were recruited from the Departments of Endocrinology in eight tertiary hospitals and randomly allocated into the sequential uFSH/hCG group (Group A, n = 34) or the sequential uFSH plus zinc supplementation group (Group B, n = 33). In Group A, patients received sequential uFSH (75 U, three times a week every other 3 months) and hCG (2000 U, twice a week) treatments. In Group B, patients received oral zinc supplementation (40 mg day−1) in addition to the sequential uFSH/hCG treatment given to patients in Group A. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a sperm concentration ≥1.0 × 106 ml−1 during the 18 months. The comparison of efficacy between Groups A and B was analyzed. Nineteen of 34 (55.9%) patients receiving sequential uFSH/hCG and 20 of 33 (60.6%) patients receiving sequential uFSH/hCG plus zinc supplementation achieved sperm concentrations ≥1.0 × 106 ml−1 by intention to treat analyses. No differences between Group A and Group B were observed as far as the efficacy of inducing spermatogenesis (P = 0.69). We concluded that the sequential uFSH/hCG plus zinc supplementation regimen had a similar efficacy to the sequential uFSH/hCG treatment alone. The additional improvement of 40 mg day−1 oral zinc supplementation on spermatogenesis and masculinization in male IHH patients is very subtle.

Therapeutic effects of zinc supplement as adjunctive therapy in infants and young children with rotavirus enteritis

To investigate the therapeutic effects of oral zinc supplement in infants and young children with rotavirus enteritis, and its preventive effects against diarrhea recurrence within 3 months after treatment. A total of 103 infants and young children with rotavirus enteritis were randomly divided into zinc supplement group (n=51) and conventional treatment group (n=52). Both groups were equally treated with a comprehensive therapy, besides which the zinc supplement group received zinc gluconate granules for 10 days. The treatment outcomes were examined at 72 hours after treatment, and the time required for the disappearance of positive symptoms and the recovery of injured extra-intestinal organs were determined. In addition, these patients were followed up for 3 months to determine the incidence of diarrhea recurrence after treatment. The overall response rate in the zinc supplement group was significantly higher than that in the conventional treatment group (90% vs 75%; P<0.05). The durations of diarrhea, high fever, and vomiting in the zinc supplement group were significantly shorter than that in the conventional treatment group (P<0.05). In addition, the recurrence rate of diarrhea and the incidence of severe diarrhea within 3 months after treatment in the zinc supplement group were significantly lower than in the conventional treatment group (P<0.05). Oral zinc supplement as adjunctive therapy is effective in treating infants and young children with rotavirus enteritis, and reducing the incidence and severity of diarrhea recurrence in the subsequent 3 months.

Effects of zinc supplementation in the prevention of respiratory tract infections and diarrheal disease in Colombian children: A 12-month randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAmong the preventive strategies for lowering the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and acute diarrhoea episodes, two of the most common diseases in children, zinc supplementation has received special interest. However, there is a need for additional studies that determine the preventive effects of different doses of zinc on URTI and diarrhoeal disease episodes in children. MethodsIn a randomised, triple-blind clinical trial, we evaluated the efficacy of 12 months of daily zinc supplementation in the incidence of URTI and acute diarrhoea in a population of healthy children aged between 6 and 12 months living in Bogota, Colombia. The outcomes analysed were incidence of URTI, acute diarrhoeal disease episodes, and side effects of the interventions. ResultsBetween 2010 and 2013, a total of 355 children underwent randomisation, with 174 assigned to the zinc supplementation group and 181 to the control group. In the multivariate analyses, having been randomised to the non-supplemented control group (IRR 1.73, 95% CI 1.52–1.97, p<0.001), and nursery attendance (IRR 1.41, 95% CI 1.07–1.87, p=0.016) were independently linked to the number of URTI. Likewise, having been randomised to the non-supplemented group (IRR 1.43, 95% CI 1.20–1.71, p<0.001), and lower socioeconomic status (IRR 1.86, 95% CI 1.11–3.13, p=0.018) were independently associated to the number of diarrhoeal disease episodes. ConclusionsDaily supplementation of 5mg of zinc during 12 months significantly decreased the incidence of URTI and diarrhoeal disease episodes in a healthy population of children aged between 6 and 12 months.

Zinc supplementation prolongs the latency of hyperthermia-induced febrile seizures in rats.

Some studies have shown a relationship between febrile seizures and zinc levels. The lowest dose zinc supplementation in pentylenetetrazole seizure model has a protective effect. But, zinc pretreatment has no effect in maximal electroshock model. However, it is unclear how zinc supplementation affects hyperthermia-induced febrile seizures. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of zinc supplementation on febrile seizures in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups. Zinc supplementation was commenced 5 days prior to febrile seizure induction by placing the animals in a water bath at 45°C. We measured the rectal temperature and determined the febrile seizure latency, duration, and stage. In the zinc-supplemented group, both the seizure latency and the rectal temperature triggering seizure initiation were significantly higher than in the other groups. We suggest that zinc supplementation can positively modulate febrile seizure pathogenesis in rats.

Zinc supplementation during in vitro maturation increases the production efficiency of cloned pigs.

Zinc supplementation (0.8 µg/ml) in in vitro maturation (IVM) medium significantly enhances oocyte quality. In this study, we compared the development of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos produced from conventional IVM (control) and zinc-supplemented IVM oocytes. A total of 1206 and 890 SCNT embryos were produced using control and zinc-supplemented oocytes, respectively, and then were transferred to 11 and 8 recipients, respectively. Five control recipients and three zinc-supplemented recipients became pregnant. Two live piglets and eight mummies were born from two control recipients, and ten live piglets and six stillborn piglets were born from three zinc-supplemented recipients. The production efficiency significantly increased in the zinc-supplemented group (0.33% vs. 3.02%). This report suggests that zinc supplementation in IVM medium improved the production efficiency of cloned pigs.

Protection against T1DM-Induced Bone Loss by Zinc Supplementation: Biomechanical, Histomorphometric, and Molecular Analyses in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Several studies have established an association between diabetes and alterations in bone metabolism; however, the underlying mechanism is not well established. Although zinc is recognized as a potential preventive agent against diabetes-induced bone loss, there is no evidence demonstrating its effect in chronic diabetic conditions. This study evaluated the effects of zinc supplementation in a chronic (90 days) type 1 diabetes-induced bone-loss model. Male Wistar rats were distributed in three groups: control, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and T1DM plus zinc supplementation (T1DMS). Serum biochemical analysis; tibia histomorphometric, biomechanical, and collagen-content analyses; and femur mRNA expression were evaluated. Relative to T1DM, the zinc-supplemented group showed increased histomorphometric parameters such as TbWi and BAr and decreased TbSp, increased biomechanical parameters (maximum load, stiffness, ultimate strain, and Young’s modulus), and increased type I collagen content. Interestingly, similar values for these parameters were observed between the T1DMS and control groups. These results demonstrate the protective effect of zinc on the maintenance of bone strength and flexibility. In addition, downregulation of OPG, COL1A, and MMP-9 genes was observed in T1DMS, and the anabolic effects of zinc were evidenced by increased OC expression and serum ALP activity, both related to osteoblastogenesis, demonstrating a positive effect on bone formation. In contrast, T1DM showed excessive bone loss, observed through reduced histomorphometric and biomechanical parameters, characterizing diabetes-associated bone loss. The bone loss was also observed through upregulation of OPG, COL1A, and MMP-9 genes. In conclusion, zinc showed a positive effect on the maintenance of bone architecture and biomechanical parameters. Indeed, OC upregulation and control of expression of OPG, COL1A, and MMP-9 mRNAs, even in chronic hyperglycemia, support an anabolic and protective effect of zinc under chronic diabetic conditions. Furthermore, these results indicate that zinc supplementation could act as a complementary therapy in chronic T1DM.