Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
13:04

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells

Published on: May 16, 2019

Serum zinc and copper level in children with protein energy malnutrition

B Gautam1, K Deb, M Banerjee

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Serum zinc and copper levels are significantly lower in Bangladeshi children with Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM). This finding highlights potential deficiencies that require monitoring and management in affected pediatric populations.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a significant health concern in children.
  • Deficiencies in essential minerals like zinc and copper can exacerbate PEM and lead to distinct clinical syndromes.
  • Monitoring micronutrient status is crucial for effective PEM management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the status of serum zinc and copper levels in Bangladeshi children diagnosed with Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM).
  • To establish reference ranges for serum zinc and copper in a control group of healthy Bangladeshi children.
  • To explore the correlation between PEM severity and serum mineral levels.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 68 children aged 5 months to 5 years.
  • Subjects were divided into a control group (n=20) and a PEM group (n=48), with the latter further classified by Wellcome criteria (Marasmus, Kwashiorkor, Marasmic Kwashiorkor).
  • Serum zinc and copper levels were quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.

Main Results:

  • Children with PEM exhibited significantly lower mean serum zinc levels compared to controls (59.85 ± 11.18 vs. 106.16 ± 13.36 μg/dL, p<0.001).
  • Mean serum copper levels were also significantly reduced in children with PEM compared to controls (82.73 ± 16.35 vs. 135.88 ± 11.88 μg/dL, p<0.001).
  • Specific PEM subtypes (Marasmus, Kwashiorkor, Marasmic Kwashiorkor) showed distinct patterns of zinc and copper reduction.

Conclusions:

  • Serum zinc and copper levels are significantly diminished in Bangladeshi children suffering from Protein Energy Malnutrition.
  • These findings underscore the importance of assessing and addressing zinc and copper deficiencies in the nutritional management of PEM.
  • Further research into the therapeutic implications of mineral supplementation in PEM is warranted.

More Related Videos

Assessing Mineral Availability in Fish Feeds using Complementary Methods Demonstrated with the Example of Zinc in Atlantic Salmon04:54

Assessing Mineral Availability in Fish Feeds using Complementary Methods Demonstrated with the Example of Zinc in Atlantic Salmon

Published on: October 29, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests01:24

Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests

Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.
Overview of Protein Metabolism01:21

Overview of Protein Metabolism

Proteins are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which are stored for later use, proteins are not. Instead, amino acids are either used to produce ATP through oxidation or contribute to the creation of new proteins for the growth and repair of the body. Any surplus amino acids from the diet are converted into glucose or triglycerides rather than excreted.
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...