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Zinc Supplementation (zinc + supplementation)
Selected AbstractsDietary Zinc Supplementation Throughout Pregnancy Protects Against Fetal Dysmorphology and Improves Postnatal Survival After Prenatal Ethanol Exposure in MiceALCOHOLISM, Issue 4 2009Brooke L. Summers Background:, We have previously demonstrated that ethanol teratogenicity is associated with metallothionein-induced fetal zinc (Zn) deficiency, and that maternal subcutaneous Zn treatment given with ethanol in early pregnancy prevents fetal abnormalities and spatial memory impairments in mice. Here we investigated whether dietary Zn supplementation throughout pregnancy can also prevent ethanol-related dysmorphology. Methods:, Pregnant mice were injected with saline or 25% ethanol (0.015 ml/g intraperitoneally at 0 and 4 hours) on gestational day (GD) 8 and fed either a control (35 mg Zn/kg) or a Zn-supplemented diet (200 mg Zn/kg) from GD 0 to 18. Fetuses from the saline, saline + Zn, ethanol and ethanol + Zn groups were assessed for external birth abnormalities on GD 18. In a separate cohort of mice, postnatal growth and survival of offspring from these treatment groups were examined from birth until postnatal day 60. Results:, Fetuses from dams treated with ethanol alone in early pregnancy had a significantly greater incidence of physical abnormalities (26%) compared to those from the saline (10%), saline + Zn (9%), or ethanol + Zn (12%) groups. The incidence of abnormalities in ethanol + Zn-supplemented fetuses was not different from saline-treated fetuses. While ethanol exposure did not affect the number of fetal resorptions or pre- or postnatal weight, there were more stillbirths with ethanol alone, and cumulative postnatal mortality was significantly higher in offspring exposed to ethanol alone (35% deaths) compared to all other treatment groups (13.5 to 20.5% deaths). Mice supplemented with Zn throughout pregnancy had higher plasma Zn concentrations than those in un-supplemented groups. Conclusions:, These findings demonstrate that dietary Zn supplementation throughout pregnancy ameliorates dysmorphology and postnatal mortality caused by ethanol exposure in early pregnancy. [source] Zinc Supplementation at the Time of Ethanol Exposure Ameliorates Teratogenicity in MiceALCOHOLISM, Issue 1 2003Luke C. Carey Background: We have previously demonstrated that ethanol teratogenicity in mice is related to the maternal expression of metallothionein (MT), a zinc (Zn)-binding protein. Ethanol induces maternal liver MT, which causes plasma Zn concentrations to decrease as Zn moves into the liver. During pregnancy it is suggested that this change decreases fetal Zn supply and contributes to abnormal development. Here we investigated whether maternal Zn supplementation at the time of ethanol exposure reduces teratogenicity. Methods: Mice were injected with 25% ethanol (0.015 ml/g intraperitoneally at 0 and 4 hr) and ZnSO4 (2.5 ,gZn/g subcutaneously at 0 hr) and were killed over 16 hr to ascertain changes in plasma Zn. Plasma Zn concentrations peaked at 2 hr, where levels were 5-fold normal and then returned toward normal over 14 hr. Pregnant mice were treated in a similar manner on gestation day 8 with saline, saline + Zn, ethanol + Zn, or ethanol alone, and fetal abnormalities were assessed on gestation day 18. Results: External abnormalities were most prevalent in offspring from dams treated with ethanol. Zn treatment at the time of ethanol exposure reduced the incidence of fetal abnormalities to basal levels. Litters from dams treated with ethanol + Zn contained more fetuses and fewer fetal resorption sites compared with those from ethanol-treated dams. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that Zn supplementation at the time of ethanol exposure significantly negates the deleterious effects of ethanol on the fetus. [source] Low zinc status: a new risk factor for pneumonia in the elderly?NUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 1 2010Junaidah B Barnett Low zinc status may be a risk factor for pneumonia in the elderly. This special article reviews the magnitude of the problem of pneumonia (its prevalence, morbidity, and mortality) in the elderly, pneumonia's etiology, and the dysregulation of the immune system associated with increasing age. In addition, recent evidence from the literature is presented demonstrating that low zinc status (commonly reported in the elderly) impairs immune function, decreases resistance to pathogens, and is associated with increased incidence and duration of pneumonia, increased use and duration of antimicrobial treatment, and increased overall mortality in the elderly. Inadequate stores of zinc might, therefore, be a risk factor for pneumonia in the elderly. Randomized, double-blind, controlled studies are needed to determine the efficacy of zinc supplementation as a potential low-cost intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality due to pneumonia in this vulnerable population. [source] Zinc Deficiency in Pregnancy and Fetal OutcomeNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 1 2006Dheeraj Shah MD Maternal zinc deficiency during pregnancy has been related to adverse effects on progeny, and there are data showing that mild to moderate zinc deficiency (as assessed by available indicators) is quite common in the developing world. Observational data relating zinc deficiency to adverse fetal outcome have produced conflicting results, mainly because of the lack of a valid indicator of zinc deficiency in pregnancy. Studies of human pregnancy and zinc supplementation, including those from developing countries, have failed to document a consistent beneficial effect on fetal growth, duration of gestation, and early neonatal survival. Preliminary results from unpublished studies in developing countries have also proven to be discouraging. However, recent data and some preliminary findings indicate a beneficial effect of maternal zinc supplementation on neonatal immune status and infant morbidity from infectious diseases, and there is also preliminary evidence that zinc supplementation may prevent congenital malformations (cleft lip/palate). With respect to neurobehavioral development, the evidence is conflicting, with only one study reporting a positive outcome. More research is required to assess the benefits of the large-scale introduction of zinc supplementation during pregnancy on congenital malformations, immune functions, neurobehavior, and overall neonatal survival in countries where zinc deficiency is a problem. Currently available information does not support the routine use of zinc supplementation to improve pregnancy outcome. [source] Micronutrients and Child Health: Studies in International Nutrition and HIV InfectionNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 11 2001Christopher Duggan M.D., M.P.H. Increasing data link micronutrient deficiencies to excess childhood morbidity and mortality, and similar relationships have been noted in the study of nutrition and HIV infection. We review epidemiologic studies that have examined the relationship between micronutrient deficiencies and health outcomes in childhood and HIV infection, as well as clinical trials of micronutrient supplementation. Vitamin A supplementation among communities at risk of deficiency effectively reduces mortality and morbidity in children younger than age 5, and vitamin A may be especially effective in HIV-infected children. Vertical transmission of HIV has not to date been affected by maternal micronutrient supplementation. In children with poor dietary zinc intake and/or bioavailability, zinc supplementation reduces the incidence and severity of diarrheal diseases, as well as the occurrence of pneumonia. Vitamin A therapy has not been associated with improved growth, whereas some trials have shown that zinc supplementation is associated with greater increments in height. Further trials of micronutrient supplementation are warranted. [source] The Pigmentation of Human Iris Influences the Uptake and Storing of ZincPIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH, Issue 5 2004Despina Kokkinou Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is more prevalent among the elderly Caucasians than in Africans. A significant association between light iris colour, fundus pigmentation and incidence of AMD is reported, suggesting a possible correlation with melanin pigment. Zinc is known to bind to melanin in pigmented tissues and to enhance antioxidant capacity by function as a cofactor or gene expression factor of antioxidant enzymes in the eye. In this in vitro study, we investigated the uptake and storage of zinc in human irides. Irides of blue and brown human eyes were used. The number of melanocytes was measured. Tissues without any treatment served as controls. The irides were incubated with 100 ,M zinc chloride in culture medium for 24 h. Specimens of the tissues were stored for the uptake examination. The remained pieces were further incubated for 3 and 7 d to investigate the storage of zinc. The concentration of zinc was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Melanocytes count was significantly higher in the brown tissues (P < 0.0001). Zinc concentration of blue coloured irides after 24 h zinc treatment was close to the controls. We did not observe any significant storing. In contrast, the concentration of zinc in brown irides was significantly increased after 24 h (P , 0.01) and remained at a high level for 7 d. The uptake of zinc is likely dependent on the amount of pigmentation in human iris. Therefore, we assume that in patients suffering from AMD the degree of pigmentation of the irides and eventually fundi should be under consideration when the patients are treated with zinc supplementation. [source] Evaluation of zinc supplementation in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juvenile dietsAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 9 2010Eleni Fountoulaki Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of increased zinc dietary levels on the growth performance, feed utilization, immune status and induced wound healing in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Fish weighing 10 g were fed five diets containing organic zinc at 30, 70, 110 and 150 mg kg,1 diet and one inorganic zinc source (zinc oxide) at 150 mg kg,1 diet for a period of 12 weeks. No significant (P>0.05) differences were found in the growth performance parameters (final weight, specific growth rate), immunological indices tested (respiratory burst activity in whole blood) and the wound-healing process. Zinc accumulation in the skin, vertebrae and liver increased significantly (P<0.01) with increased dietary zinc levels but not in muscle. The highest zinc concentrations were obtained in skin tissue, followed by vertebrae, liver and muscle tissue. Using the concentration of zinc in skin as a response criterion, broken-line analysis showed that the supplementation of 148 mg organic Zn kg,1 diet seemed to be the optimum dietary zinc supplementation level for sea bass juveniles. [source] Evaluation of zinc level in skin of patients with necrolytic acral erythemaBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2010H.A.M. Moneib Summary Background, Necrolytic acral erythema (NAE) is considered a cutaneous sign of hepatitis C virus infection. Its exact pathogenesis is still not fully understood, with some reports about decreased serum zinc levels but none about its level in the skin. Objectives, To assess skin (lesional and perilesional) and serum zinc levels in patients with NAE and compare them with levels in control subjects. Methods, Fifteen patients with NAE and 10 healthy controls were included in this study. Assessment of zinc level, in serum by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry and in lesional and perilesional skin biopsies by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, was done in all subjects. Re-evaluation of serum and lesional skin zinc level was done after oral zinc treatment. Results, Mean ± SD zinc levels were significantly lower in patients (serum 0·44 ± 0·13 mg L,1; lesional skin 42·6 ± 18·9 mg L,1; perilesional skin 32·5 ± 17·2 mg L,1) than controls (serum 1·17 ± 0·29 mg L,1; skin 100·1 ± 2·77 mg L,1), with a positive correlation between lesional and perilesional skin zinc (r = 0·91, P < 0·01). Oral zinc supplementation significantly increased serum and skin zinc levels (by 159% and 4%, respectively; P < 0·05). Conclusions, NAE is associated with decreased serum and skin zinc levels. Oral zinc supplementation corrects decreased levels of plasma and skin zinc much earlier than the desired clinical benefits appear. [source] Effect of vitamin C and zinc on osmotic fragility and lipid peroxidation in zinc-deficient haemodialysis patientsCELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION, Issue 2 2002Ferda Candan Abstract Peroxidation of the membrane lipid structure of red blood cell leads to haemolysis and anaemia in haemodialysis patients. Dietary constituents of antioxidant vitamins and trace elements may play an important role in protecting against oxidant damage. In this study, the effects of supplementation of vitamin C and zinc on osmotic fragility and lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes were investigated in 34 zinc-deficient haemodialysis patients. Sixteen sex- and age-matched normal volunteers acted as controls. Patients were randomized to receive vitamin C (250 mg day,1), zinc (20 mg day,1) or a placebo treatment for 3 months. The levels of vitamin C, zinc, malondialdehyde (MDA) and osmotic fragility were measured initially and 3 months after supplementation. Mean serum concentration of vitamin C and zinc increased significantly in the groups at the end of the respective study periods. Supplementation with vitamin C and zinc improved osmotic fragility, and decreased the level of MDA in the groups, but some side-effects (i.e. nausea, vomiting, fever, muscle pain, weakness) were observed during the zinc treatment. The results showed that the supplementation of both treatments decreased osmotic fragilty and MDA in zinc-deficient haemodialysis patients. However, vitamin C treatment was found to be safer than zinc supplementation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effects of zinc supplementation on parent and teacher behaviour rating scores in low socioeconomic level Turkish primary school childrenACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 4 2009Yasemin Üçkarde Abstract Objective: To determine the effect of zinc supplementation on behaviour in low-income school aged children. Design: Double-blind randomized, placebo controlled trial. Setting: Low-income district primary school in Turkey. Participants: Third grade students in the school. Among 252 students, 226 participated and 218 completed the study. Intervention: Children in each class were randomized either to the study group to receive 15 mg/day elemental zinc syrup or to placebo group to receive the syrup without zinc for 10 weeks. Main Outcome Measures: The change in Conner's Rating Scales for Teachers and Parents scores after supplementation. Results: The mean Conner's Rating Scale for Parents scores on attention deficit, hyperactivity, oppositional behaviour and conduct disorder decreased significantly in the study and placebo groups after supplementation (p < 0.01). The prevalence of children with clinically significant parent ratings on attention deficit (p = 0.01) and hyperactivity (p = 0.004) decreased in the study group while prevalence of oppositional behaviour (p = 0.007) decreased in the placebo group. In children of mothers with low education all mean Parents' scores decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in the study group while only hyperactivity scores decreased in the placebo group (p < 0.01). In this subgroup the prevalence of children with clinically significant scores for attention deficit, hyperactivity and oppositional behaviour decreased only in the study group (p < 0.05). There was no change in mean Teachers' scores. Conclusion: In our study zinc supplementation decreased the prevalence of children with clinically significant scores for attention deficit and hyperactivity. The affect on behaviour was more evident in the children of low educated mothers. [source] | |||||||||||||