The phenomenon of zinc deficiency among children in China aged 3–5 years old

AbstractIntroductionzinc is an essential micro-nutrient for growth and proper immune function. Yet there are limited data available on the prevalence of zinc deficiency among children aged 3–5 at the country level. This information will enable health planners to determine the need for zinc intervention activities and to stimulate further research into these areas.materials and methodsThe data on children aged 3–5 were extracted from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2013. By multi-stage stratified cluster randomly sampling method, 30 children aged 3–5 years old were selected from each region for this study from 55 counties in China to analyze serum zinc. Finally, 1472 children aged 3–5 years were included in the study. The concentration of serum zinc was determined by high resolution inductively coupled plasm mass spectrometry. High and low level quality control samples were used, measured value was (1.63 ± 0.04)mg/l and (2.80 ± 0.06)mg/l, respectively. CV of quality control samples were 1.69%~2.45%. The zinc deficiency was defined as serum zinc level < 70μg/dl with the standard of WHO.Resultsserum zinc means of children aged 3–5 years was (95.3 ± 18.2)μg/dl and 3.9% children with zinc deficiency. serum zinc means level in urban children was (98.9 ± 17.6)μg/dl, and (91.6 ± 18.2)μg/dl in rural area. we showed that the serum zinc deficiency rate was higher in rural children (5.5%) than urban children (2.4%), and there were significant differences between these two areas. serum zinc means level in boys aged 3–5 years was (95.3 ± 18.7)μg/dl, and (95.3 ± 17.8)μg/dl in girls aged 3–5 years old. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 1.5%, 6.6% and 1.8% in 3~,4~,5~ years old urban boys, respectively; 6.8%, 7.7% and 4.0% in rural boys, respectively. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 2.3%, 0.8% and 1.7% in 3~,4~,5~ years old urban girls, respectively; 4.1%, 7.0% and 4.0% in rural girls, respectively. And there were differences between urban and rural areas in girls of 4~.5 years.DiscussionThe zinc level of children aged 3–5 years in China has been improved compared with ten years ago, but the zinc deficiency of rural children is still lower than that of urban children, especially those aged 4 to 5 years in rural areas, so we should pay more attention to this group.

Download Full-text

Serum Zinc Levels in Cirrhotic Patients Attending General and Specialty Hospitals, Yangon

Myanmar Health Sciences Research Journal ◽

10.34299/mhsrj.00956 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 251-256

Keyword(s):

Clinical Practice ◽

Hepatic Encephalopathy ◽

Zinc Deficiency ◽

Serum Zinc ◽

Zinc Level ◽

The Body ◽

Serum Zinc Level ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cirrhotic Patients ◽

Cirrhosis Of Liver

Cirrhosis of liver is one of the common medical problem in daily clinical practice and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Zinc is an essential trace elements for human and plays in many biological roles in the body. Among them, zinc deficiency is thought to be involved in metabolism of ammonia and causes hyperammonia that worsen hepatic encephalopathy. This study aimed to find out the severity of cirrhosis of liver was by Child Turcotte Pugh score and to investigate the associations between serum zinc level and severity of cirrhosis. A hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 78 patients with different underlying causes of cirrhosis of liver at the Medical Units of Yangon General Hospital and Yangon Specialty Hospital. Among the study population, Child grade A was found to be 28.21%, Child grade B was 30.77% and Child grade C was 41.03%. Regarding result of serum zinc level, 62.8% were low level, 28.2% were within normal level and 8.9% were high level. Mean value of serum zinc level in grade A was 0.68 mg/l, grade B was 0.54 mg/l and grade C was 0.48 mg/l (p=0.00). It was found out that there was a high prevalence of zinc deficiency in severe cirrhotic patients. The zinc level was significantly lowest among patients with Child-Pugh C as compare to those with Child-Pugh B and C. Severity of zinc deficiency should be requested for supplementation therapy in cirrhotic patients as to prevent complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure. Screening for zinc deficiency may need in these patients with more advanced cirrhosis because it seems to be a marker of advanced liver disease and it can be deducted that awareness of serum zinc level among cirrhotic patients is very important in clinical practice.

Download Full-text

Association of maternal ethnicity and urbanicity on severe pediatric disease: a nationwide cohort study

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-019-1885-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ya-Ting Chang ◽

Huei-Shyong Wang ◽

Jia-Rou Liu ◽

Chi-Nan Tseng ◽

I-Jun Chou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Kawasaki Disease ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Psychotic Disorders ◽

Urban Children ◽

Cox Proportional Hazards Model ◽

Rural Children ◽

Research Database ◽

Foreign Born ◽

Healthy Migrant Effect

Abstract Background A healthy migrant effect on birth outcomes has been reported, however, whether this protective effect persists throughout childhood is unknown. The effect of urbanicity on child health among an immigrant population is unclear. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence rate and cumulative incidence of severe diseases among urban children of Taiwan-born mothers, rural children of Taiwan-born mothers, urban children of foreign-born mothers, and rural children of foreign-born mothers. Methods A nationwide cohort study was conducted for children born in Taiwan during 2004–2011 and follow-up till age 4 to 11 years old by linkage the Taiwan Birth Registry 2004–2011, Taiwan Death Registry 2004–2015, and National Health Insurance Research Database 2004–2015. Cox proportional hazards model (multivariable) was used to examine differences among the four study groups. Results There were 682,982 urban children of Taiwan-born mothers, 662,818 rural children of Taiwan-born mothers, 61,570 urban children of foreign-born mothers, 87,473 rural children of foreign-born mothers. Children of foreign-born mothers had a lower incidence of vasculitis, mainly Kawasaki disease. The incidences of congenital disorders did not differ between children of foreign-born mothers and children of Taiwan-born mothers. The incidence of psychotic disorders was higher in urban children. However, children in rural areas had a higher incidence of major trauma/burn and a higher mortality rate. Conclusions A healthy migrant effect was only seen for Kawasaki disease. The mental health of urban children born to immigrant mothers warrants concern.

Download Full-text

Zinc deficiency may play a crucial role in dialysis-associated bacterial infections

Journal of Renal Injury Prevention ◽

10.34172/jrip.2022.09 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. e9-e9

Author(s):

Zahra Lotfi ◽

Abbas Ali Zeraati ◽

Elaheh Dashti ◽

Tina Zeraati ◽

Maryam Arghiany ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Zinc Deficiency ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Critical Role ◽

Serum Zinc ◽

Zinc Level ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Mean

Introduction: Systemic bacterial infections are a common cause of mortality and morbidity in hemodialysis patients. Zinc has a critical role in several immune system functions. Patients who have enough amounts of zinc are able to better face infections caused by various pathogens in comparison to those with zinc insufficiency Objective We sought to assess the role of zinc deficiency in dialysis-associated bacterial infections. Patients and Methods: Eighty-Three adult patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis including 43 patients with bacterial infectious complications and 40 non-infected patients as well as 41 healthy individuals were enrolled. Clinical data, laboratory values including serum zinc level and imaging findings were collected. SPSS was utilized to analyze the data with a significance cutoff set at P < 0.05. Results: Out of 124 participants, 80 (64.51%) were males and 44 (35.49%) were females. The mean age of infected hemodialysis group, non-infected hemodialysis group, and healthy controls were 50.8 ± 16.25, 49.1 ± 18.1, and 56.3 ± 18.2 years, respectively. Catheter site infection (37.3%) and urinary tract infection (30.2%) were the most common infections. The mean serum zinc concentration was significantly lower in the infected patients, compared to non-infected patients and healthy individuals (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The ESRD patients on hemodialysis have lower serum zinc levels which are associated with increased risk of bacterial infection. The role of screening for zinc deficiency and use of supplemental zinc in these patients need to be studied.

Download Full-text

The Nutritional and Micronutrient Status of Urban Schoolchildren with Moderate Anemia is Better than in a Rural Area in Kenya

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12010207 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 207 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Esther Charlotte Evang ◽

Tsige-Yohannes Habte ◽

Willis Omondi Owino ◽

Michael Bernhardt Krawinkel

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intake ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Urban Children ◽

Rural Children ◽

Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Iron And Zinc ◽

Urban And Rural Areas

Low diet quality is a driver of general and micronutrient malnutrition in urban and rural areas. The objective was to compare malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies linked to dietary intake among urban and rural schoolchildren from food insecure settings in Kenya. The cross-sectional study was conducted among urban and rural schoolchildren aged 7–9 years. Height and weight were measured, venous blood samples were assessed and data on dietary intake was collected. After screening out children with hemoglobin >12.2 g/dL and moderate or severe undernutrition, a total of 36 urban and 35 rural children participated. The prevalence of moderate underweight, wasting, and stunting were lower in urban than in rural children, with significant differences in median z-scores for underweight (p < 0.001) and wasting (p < 0.001). Significantly higher values for serum ferritin (p = 0.012) and zinc (p < 0.001) were found in urban children. Yet, the median adequacy ratios were higher for vitamin C (p = 0.045), iron (p = 0.003), and zinc (p = 0.003) in rural than in urban children. General nutritional, iron, and zinc status were significantly better in slightly anemic urban children than in rural ones. Improving the nutrition of schoolchildren in urban and rural settings requires different dietary approaches.

Download Full-text

Influence of zinc deficiency on one year recurrence in children with nephrotic syndrome

Journal of Renal Injury Prevention ◽

10.15171/jrip.2019.46 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 243-246

Author(s):

Fatemeh Ghafoorimehr ◽

Mastaneh Moghtaderi ◽

Behnaz Bazargani ◽

Dariush Fahimi ◽

Arash Abbasi

Keyword(s):

Nephrotic Syndrome ◽

Zinc Deficiency ◽

Serum Zinc ◽

Zinc Level ◽

P Value ◽

Chi Square ◽

Mean Values ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Steroid Sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome ◽

One Year

Introduction: Relapses in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) are common and sometimes triggered by various infections. Low zinc levels have been described in children with nephrotic states. It is supposed to that zinc deficiency might lead to dysregulation of immune system and an increased risk of infection. Objectives: This study sought to examine whether the plasma level of zinc in nephrotic patients is related to the number of relapses in these patients. Patients and Methods: Forty-three children aged 1-10 years were entered in this study. Baseline data including age, serum zinc level, number of relapses during one year was recorded. The t test and chi-square tests were used to compare the mean values and proportions respectively with significant P value (P < 0.05). Results: Forty-three children with storied sensitive nephrotic syndrome enrolled in this study. Twenty-three (53.5%) of them were male and 20 (46.5%) were female. Around 74.4 % of patients experienced relapses of nephrotic syndrome in one-year period. There was a significant relation between zinc deficiency and recurrence rate. Conclusion: Zinc deficiency is common in children suffering from nephrotic syndrome and is related to recurrence of relapses in these patients.

Download Full-text

Dysgeusia Due to Zinc Deficiency After Pancreaticoduodenectomy Requiring Continuous Intravenous Zinc Supplementation: a Case Report and Literature Review

10.21203/rs.3.rs-957498/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hironobu Hata ◽

Yojiro Ota ◽

Katsuhiko Uesaka ◽

Yutaka Yamazaki ◽

Tsubasa Murata ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Zinc Deficiency ◽

Oral Surgery ◽

Oral Care ◽

Serum Zinc ◽

Zinc Level ◽

Normal Serum ◽

Acrodermatitis Enteropathica ◽

Proximal Jejunum ◽

Zinc Levels ◽

Serum Zinc Levels

Abstract Background: Zinc is mainly absorbed in the duodenum and proximal jejunum, which are removed during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Little is known about the adverse oral events and skin disorders caused by zinc deficiency after PD. Herein, we reviewed studies regarding the development of zinc deficiency after PD and presented the case of a patient with zinc deficiency after PD, who required home intravenous zinc replacement.Case presentation: A 73-year-old woman with glossitis, taste disorder, and acrodermatitis enteropathica-like eruption on her fingers presented to the Division of Dentistry and Oral Surgery 69 days after PD. Her serum zinc level markedly decreased to 30 μg/dL. Oral zinc administration was inadequate to treat hypozincemia after PD; therefore, multi-trace elements were injected intravenously under readmission. Her serum zinc levels recovered, and the lesions gradually improved. Furthermore, a central venous port was implanted to maintain normal serum zinc levels, and she continued self-injecting zinc at home.Conclusion: Zinc deficiency after PD rarely occurs. The clinical oncologist community, including dentists responsible for the oral care of cancer patients, should be aware of dysgeusia associated with zinc deficiency after cancer surgery, as well as that induced by chemotherapy or head and neck radiation therapy.

Download Full-text

Zinc Nutritional Status and Risk Factors of Elderly in the China Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance 2015

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13093086 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 3086

Author(s):

Jiaxi Lu ◽

Yichun Hu ◽

Min Li ◽

Xiaobing Liu ◽

Rui Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Disease ◽

Zinc Deficiency ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Age Groups ◽

Serum Zinc ◽

The Elderly ◽

Nutrition Status ◽

Related Factors ◽

Chinese Elderly ◽

Zinc Nutrition

Objectives: To analyze the serum zinc nutrition status of the Chinese elderly, and to assess the risk factor for zinc deficiency. Methods: 3727 elderly people over 60 years old were randomly selected from 302 monitoring points in 31 provinces of China Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance (CACDNS) 2015. Blood samples were selected from the biological sample bank of CACDNS 2015 and the basic information were collected by questionnaires. The criteria of serum zinc deficiency recommended by the International Zinc Nutrition Consulting Group (IZiNCG) were adopted, and the related factors were also analyzed. Results: The median serum zinc concentration of Chinese elderly was 99.2 (84.3~118.7) μg/dL. The overall adjusted prevalence of zinc deficiency was 8.68%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 7.74% and 9.61%. Significant differences were found in different sex, age groups, Body Mass Index (BMI), residence region, race and education level in terms of serum zinc status in the elderly (p < 0.05). Participants who are males, aged above 70y, with BMIs of less than 18.5 kg/m2, living in rural areas, minority, and with the lowest income had a higher prevalence of zinc deficiency in the subgroups under different classifications. The risk of zinc deficiency in the elderly over 70y was 1.44 higher than those aged 60–69y (OR = 1.44, 95%CI 1.14–1.82), and the minority elderly has a 1.39 higher risk than Han nationality (OR = 1.39, 95%CI 1.01–1.91), while overweight/obesity and female elderly were at lower risk (OR < 1, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The overall prevalence of zinc deficiency in the elderly was highest in all adults in the CACDNS. It is recommended that the male elderly, over 70 years, and the minority elderly should pay more attention to the zinc nutrition status of their own.

Download Full-text

Zinc Intake, Zinc Serum Levels, and Intelligence in School Children in Rural Areas

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2021.5869 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (E) ◽

pp. 394-397

Author(s):

Rostika Flora ◽

Nur Alam Fajar ◽

Fatmalina Febri ◽

Indah Yuliana ◽

Yuliarti Yuliarti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Zinc Deficiency ◽

School Children ◽

Significant Relationship ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Serum Zinc ◽

Zinc Intake ◽

Serum Zn ◽

Zinc Levels ◽

Serum Zinc Levels ◽

Low Serum

BACKGROUND: Children in rural areas are susceptible to zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency in children can affect cognitive function in children. Zinc plays a role in cellular function and critical brain growth processes, including cell replication, DNA and RNA synthesis, and the release of neurotransmitters. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the condition of zinc deficiency and its relationship with the level of intelligence in children in rural areas. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional, with a sample of 44 elementary school children aged 9–12 years taken randomly. Blood was drawn to measure serum Zn-levels, and serum Zn-levels were measured using Colorimetric Assay Kit (E-BC-K137). Zinc intake data were obtained from the food recall form, which was carried out 3 × 24 h. The level of intelligence is measured by the Culture Fair Intelligence Test method. The sample characteristics data obtained through a questionnaire. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: About 84.2% of children with insufficient zinc intake had low serum Zn-levels. There was a significant relationship between zinc intake and serum zinc levels (p = 0.026; PR = 4.293). Children with low serum zinc levels of 96.5% have intelligence levels below average. There was a significant relationship between serum zinc levels and intelligence level as well (p = 0.001; PR = 24,500). CONCLUSION: Zinc deficiency in children is characterized by low serum Zn-levels. Low serum Zn-level is caused by low zinc intake, thus children with low serum Zn-levels are at risk of having intelligence level below average. Therefore, health education about the importance of zinc intake in children should be given to parents, so that the incidence of zinc deficiency in children can be reduced.

Download Full-text

Zinc deficiency in Japanese children with idiopathic short stature

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism ◽

10.1515/jpem-2019-0129 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (10) ◽

pp. 1083-1087 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kei Yoshida ◽

Tatsuhiko Urakami ◽

Remi Kuwabara ◽

Ichiro Morioka

Keyword(s):

Short Stature ◽

Zinc Deficiency ◽

Serum Insulin ◽

Serum Zinc ◽

Zinc Level ◽

Idiopathic Short Stature ◽

Japanese Children ◽

The Mean ◽

Zinc Levels ◽

Serum Zinc Levels

Abstract Background and methods We investigated the frequency of zinc deficiency in Japanese children with idiopathic short stature, and evaluated whether serum zinc levels correlated with background factors, including age and standard deviation scores (SDSs) for height and serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels. The study subjects consisted of 89 Japanese children. Results The mean serum zinc level was 79 ± 12 (49–108) μg/dL. Of all the children, 48.3% had a low zinc level, in the 60–80 μg/dL range, and 6.7% had zinc deficiency with a zinc level below 60 μg/dL. The majority with a low zinc level and zinc deficiency were asymptomatic other than for short stature. We found no significant correlations of serum zinc with age, or the SDSs for height and serum IGF-1 levels, in either the entire subject population or those with a zinc level below 80 μg/dL. Conclusions We found a low zinc level to be common in Japanese children with idiopathic short stature, whereas actual zinc deficiency was rare. However, other as yet unknown mechanisms not associated with the growth hormone (GH)-IGF-1 axis could be involved in growth retardation in idiopathic short stature.

Download Full-text

CARBONIC ANHYDRASE ACTIVITY AND ZINC DEFICIENCY

International Journal of PIXE ◽

10.1142/s0129083597000072 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 07 (01n02) ◽

pp. 49-52

Author(s):

TOSHIRO KUMAKAWA ◽

TAKAHITO KONDO

Keyword(s):

Zinc Deficiency ◽

Specific Activity ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Serum Zinc ◽

Carbonic Anhydrase Activity ◽

Zinc Level ◽

Sweat Glands ◽

Acrodermatitis Enteropathica ◽

Normal Range ◽

Serum Zinc Level

A 60-year-old female was hospitalized because of anemia, edema, and diarrhea. She was diagnosed as having short bowel syndrome. The patient developed acrodermatitis enteropathica and taste impairment. Laboratory data showed that the serum zinc level was 21 μ g/dl and erythrocyte CAI specific activity was 0 units/mg isozyme (normal range 0.37 ± 0.08 units/mg isozyme) and CAII specific activity was 2.99 units/mg isozyme (normal range 3.02 ± 0.05 units/mg isozyme). The patient was diagnosed as being in a zinc deficient status. Zinc supplementation resulted in the disappearance of these complications. The serum zinc level reached 50 μ g/dl and erythrocyte CAI specific activity was recovered to 0.26 units/mg isozyme and CAII specific activity was 1.60 units/mg isozyme. CAI is found in gastrointestinal epithelial cells, in vascular epithelium, corneal, lens, ciliary body epithelium, and in sweat glands. CAII is found in virtually all tissues and is especially abundant in secretory and absorbing epithelia. The tissue distribution of CAI corresponds to clinical and physiologic indicators of zinc deficiency. Thus, the erythrocyte CAI specific activity may reflect the actual tissue zinc deficiency status.

Download Full-text