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Zinc and copper status in children with bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis

M S el-Kholy1, M A Gas Allah, S el-Shimi

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Public Health, and Biochemistry, Ain Shams University.

The Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Children with allergies like asthma and atopic dermatitis show lower zinc and higher copper levels. Supplementing zinc may help manage these allergic conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Trace Element Metabolism
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Trace elements, specifically zinc and copper, play crucial roles in cellular growth and enzyme function.
  • Imbalances in these minerals have been investigated in various pathological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the serum and hair levels of zinc and copper in children diagnosed with bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis.
  • To compare these levels with those of healthy children and assess potential correlations with allergic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 40 children (2-12 years) with asthma or atopic dermatitis and 20 healthy controls.
  • Collected data included medical history, diet, serum IgE, serum ceruloplasmin, and zinc and copper levels in serum and hair.

Main Results:

  • Significantly decreased serum and hair zinc concentrations were observed in children with asthma and atopic dermatitis compared to controls (p < 0.001).
  • Significantly increased serum and hair copper concentrations and elevated serum ceruloplasmin were found in both allergic groups compared to controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Children with allergic conditions exhibit distinct alterations in zinc and copper metabolism.
  • Dietary zinc supplementation and intake of high-biological-value protein are recommended to correct hypozincemia and potentially mitigate allergic exacerbations.

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