Serum zinc in healthy Belgian children
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Published on: October 29, 2021
Stéphanie Van Biervliet1, Jean-Pierre Van Biervliet, Dirk Bernard
1Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, UZ Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
Insights
Serum zinc (Zn) levels in Belgian children are lower in infants than older children. Higher serum Zn correlates with better vitamin E status, but no peroxidation was detected even in low Zn cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Clinical Chemistry
- Trace Element Metabolism
Background:
- Childhood marginal zinc status is a documented concern.
- Recent data on serum zinc (Zn) in Belgian children is scarce, and dietary patterns are evolving.
- Understanding current zinc status is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess serum zinc concentrations in a cohort of healthy Belgian children aged 0-14 years.
- To investigate correlations between serum zinc and other biomarkers, including lipids and antioxidants.
- To evaluate markers of lipid peroxidation in relation to zinc status.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 457 healthy children (0-14 years) during a vaccination campaign after an overnight fast.
- Analysis included serum zinc, alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T), cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, apolipoprotein B (Apo B), Apo A, and malondialdehyde (MDA).
- Statistical analyses were performed to determine median values, correlations, and influences of feeding type.
Main Results:
- Median serum zinc was lower in infants (11.6 micromol/L) compared to older children (12.8 micromol/L).
- Infant feeding type did not significantly affect serum zinc levels.
- Higher serum zinc was positively correlated with serum alpha-tocopherol. In infants, serum zinc positively correlated with cholesterol, LDL-C, and Apo B.
- No children exhibited elevated serum MDA, indicating no signs of abnormal in vivo lipid peroxidation.
Conclusions:
- Serum zinc levels in Belgian children vary by age, with infants showing lower concentrations.
- A positive association exists between serum zinc and vitamin E status.
- While no lipid peroxidation was detected, further research with more sensitive methods may be needed to assess in vivo effects of marginal zinc status.
Abstract:
Many reports mention marginal zinc status in childhood. Information on serum zinc (Zn) in Belgian children since the last reports are old and feeding habits are changing. Four hundred fifty-seven healthy children (0-14 yr, 262 boys) had a venipuncture after an overnight fast during a vaccination campaign. Serum Zn, alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), Apo A, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determinated. The median Zn value is lower in infants than in older children (respectively 11.6 micromol/L vs 12.8 micromol/L). The type of infant feeding does not influence the serum Zn concentrations (breast-feeding, adapted, hypoallergenic, soy, or thickened). No children had increased serum MDA concentrations and the value is not influenced by the Zn concentration. Children presenting higher serum Zn values also have significantly higher serum alpha-T levels. In infants, there is a significant positive correlation between serum Zn and cholesterol, LDL-C, and Apo B. In this apparently healthy population, no signs of abnormal in vivo peroxidation of fatty acids are observed, even in the children with low serum Zn. More sensitive methods for the detection of peroxidation are necessary for determination of in vivo effects of marginal trace element status.
