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Zinc status in infantile wheezing.
Fulya Tahan1, Cigdem Karakukcu
1Department of Pediatric Allergy, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey. tahanfulya@yahoo.com
Pediatric Pulmonology
|May 17, 2006
Summary
Wheezy infants show lower hair zinc levels compared to healthy children. This suggests that zinc deficiency may increase the risk of wheezing in early childhood, highlighting a potential dietary link to asthma development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Asthma prevalence is increasing, influenced by environmental factors like diet.
- Dietary zinc intake may be linked to wheezing and asthma incidence.
- Limited research exists on zinc levels in infants with wheezing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the zinc status in infants experiencing wheezing.
- To compare hair zinc levels between wheezy infants and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Study included 34 wheezy infants and 14 healthy children.
- Assessed total IgE, eosinophil counts, and performed skin testing.
- Measured hair zinc levels using Polarized Zeeman Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in eosinophil counts or total IgE levels were found.
- Hair zinc levels were significantly lower in the wheezy infant group (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Wheezy infants exhibit lower hair zinc levels than healthy controls.
- Zinc deficiency may be a contributing factor to the risk of wheezing in early childhood.