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Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
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Zinc deficiency and toxicity in pediatric practice
Jennifer L Willoughby1, Christine N Bowen
1Department of Pediatric Nutrition Support, Cleveland Clinic Children's, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|July 17, 2014
Summary
Zinc deficiency is increasingly diagnosed in US children, impacting growth and health. Early identification and treatment are crucial for pediatric well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Trace Element Metabolism
Background:
- Zinc deficiency is a global concern, particularly affecting infants, children, and adolescents during crucial developmental stages.
- While historically associated with developing nations, recent events like injectable zinc shortages highlight its relevance in developed countries, including the United States.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on zinc deficiency and toxicity in pediatric populations.
- To discuss diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for zinc-related conditions in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on zinc deficiency, toxicity, and supplementation in pediatrics.
- Analysis of recent trends and clinical observations, including the impact of parenteral nutrition shortages.
Main Results:
- Zinc deficiency significantly affects childhood growth, morbidity, and mortality, as evidenced by large-scale supplementation trials.
- Serum zinc levels alone are insufficient for diagnosis; a comprehensive assessment including clinical signs and nutritional intake is necessary.
Conclusions:
- Zinc deficiency is an emerging pediatric health issue in the USA, linked to stunting, infections, and dermatitis.
- Accurate diagnosis requires integrating serum zinc levels with clinical presentation and evaluating all nutritional routes (oral, enteral, parenteral).
- Prompt recognition and management of zinc deficiency are vital for optimizing pediatric health outcomes.
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