Oral zinc supplementation decreases the serum iron concentration in healthy schoolchildren: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Mineral Metabolism
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Zinc and iron exhibit known antagonistic interactions.
• Understanding this relationship is crucial for pediatric health and nutrition.
• Previous studies highlight the importance of mineral balance in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of oral zinc supplementation on iron status in healthy children.
• To determine if zinc supplementation affects serum iron concentrations and related biomarkers.
• To assess the nutritional status changes associated with zinc supplementation.

Main Methods:

• A 3-month randomized controlled trial involving 30 healthy children aged 8-9 years.
• Two groups: 15 received 10 mg zinc/day, 15 received a placebo.
• Blood samples analyzed for serum zinc, iron, hemoglobin, and other iron-related markers before and after supplementation.

Main Results:

• Oral zinc supplementation significantly increased basal serum zinc concentrations (p < 0.001).
• A significant decrease in basal serum iron concentrations and iron area under the curve was observed in the zinc group (p < 0.0001).
• All measured iron status indicators, including hemoglobin and ferritin, remained within normal ranges.

Conclusions:

• Chronic zinc administration in children can lead to a decrease in serum iron.
• This observed decrease in serum iron was not severe enough to induce anemia.
• The findings suggest careful consideration of zinc and iron balance during supplementation in pediatric populations.