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Plasma zinc concentration and catch up growth in preterm infants
M Altigani1, J F Murphy, O P Gray
1Department of Child Health, University of Wales College of Medicine.
Insights
Plasma zinc levels in preterm infants decrease during rapid growth phases. Growth rate, not just age, significantly influences zinc concentration, impacting infant nutrition and development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Pediatric Growth Studies
Background:
- Preterm infants often experience altered nutritional status due to their immature physiological systems.
- Zinc is a critical micronutrient essential for growth and development, particularly in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma zinc concentration changes in preterm infants during catch-up growth.
- To identify factors influencing plasma zinc levels, including growth velocity and infant characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study involving 44 preterm infants.
- Plasma zinc concentrations measured at birth, 6, 12, and 24 weeks.
- Correlation analysis between plasma zinc, weight velocity, gestational age, and sex.
Main Results:
- Plasma zinc concentrations decreased by 6 weeks and increased by 24 weeks.
- Significant correlation found between plasma zinc and weight velocity at 12 weeks.
- Male infants and those with gestational age >32 weeks exhibited lower plasma zinc but faster growth rates.
Conclusions:
- Rapid growth significantly modulates plasma zinc concentration in preterm infants.
- Growth velocity appears to be a primary determinant of zinc status during catch-up growth.
- Sex and gestational age influence zinc levels and growth patterns in this population.
Abstract:
Changes in plasma zinc concentration during the period of catch up growth were examined in 44 preterm infants. Blood samples were collected at birth, 6, 12 and 24 weeks. Plasma zinc concentration showed a mean of 13.6 mumol/l at birth and dropped to 9.8 mumol/l at 6 weeks and rose to 11.3 and 15.4 mumol/l at 12 and 24 weeks respectively. Plasma zinc concentrations showed significant correlation with weight velocity at 12 weeks. Male infants had significantly lower plasma zinc concentrations than females at 12 weeks. Infants of gestational age more than 32 weeks had lower plasma zinc concentrations at 12 and 24 weeks than those of earlier gestations. At the same time males were growing faster than females and also infants of gestational ages more than 32 weeks were growing faster than those born at earlier gestations. These observations, together with the finding that the decline in zinc occurred during the phase of rapid growth, suggest that growth is the predominant modulator of plasma zinc concentration.