Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency in 3-18 Years Old Children in Shiraz-Iran
نویسندگان
1 Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nemazee Hospital,
2 Department of Pediatrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3 Department of Pediatrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
4 Department of Pediatrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
5 Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nemazee Hospital,
doi
چکیده
Background: Zinc is an essential trace element with a prominent role in human nutrition. Zinc deficiency hasbeen linked to growth retardation, hypogonadism in males, and lack of sexual development in females. It rangesfrom 50% in sub-Saharan Africa to 5% in high income countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalenceof zinc deficiency in healthy children in Shiraz, southern Iran.Methods: In this study, 902 children aged 3-18 years old were randomly sampled for serum zinc level. Age, sex,weight, height, BMI, stunting and wasting indices were also recorded. With atomic absorption spectrophotometrymethod, the serum level of zinc less than 70 μg/dL was considered as deficient.Results: Mean serum level of zinc was 122.3±55 μg/dL. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 7.9%. There wasno relationship among serum zinc level and age, sex, height, weight or BMI, but mild wasting (weight for age)and mild stunting (height for age) were significantly more prevalent among zinc deficient children compared tochildren with normal or high level of zinc.Conclusion: Zinc deficiency in Shiraz is not as prevalent as other areas of Iran. It was significantly more frequentamong stunted and wasted (malnourished) children. Difference in soil zinc level, recent wide prescriptionof zinc supplements by pediatricians and especial pattern of nutrition, considered as possible factors responsiblefor lower prevalence of zinc deficiency in Shiraz, deserve more investigations.
