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Normalization of zinc intake enhances neurological retrieval of patients suffering from ischemic strokes

Roberto Aquilani¹, Paola Baiardi, Marco Scocchi

¹Metabolic Service and Nutritional Pathophysiology, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Montescano, Italy.

Nutritional Neuroscience

|September 19, 2009

Abstract

Introduction:

The objective of this study was to investigate whether zinc (Zn2+) supplementation could contribute to neurological retrieval of patients suffering from strokes and low Zn2+ intake.

Patients And Methods:

Twenty-six patients with subacute stroke, having adequate daily energy (> or = 24 kcal/kg/day) and protein (> or = 0.8 g/kg/day) intake (EPI) and Zn2+ ingestion lower than two-thirds of the recommended allowance of 10 mg/day, were randomly allocated either to a control group (n = 13) or Zn2+ group (n = 13) where Zn2+ supplementation consisted of 10 mg Zn2+/day. Neurological gravity was tested with the NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) at patient admission and after 30 days of protocol commencement.

Results:

At day 30, the improvement in NIHSS was higher in the zinc group than in the placebo (-4.7 +/- 1.3 points versus -3.3 +/- 1.1 points; P < 0.02). NIHSS and Zn2+ intake were negatively correlated (r = -0.46; P < 0.02).

Conclusion:

The normalization of Zn2+ intake in stroke patients with low mineral intake may enhance neurological recovery.

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...

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