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Plasma zinc concentrations in iron supplemented low birthweight infants
Insights
Prolonged iron supplementation in low birthweight infants did not negatively impact plasma zinc concentrations. This study found no adverse effects on zinc levels, even with medicinal iron.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Mineral Metabolism
- Infant Health
Background:
- Low birthweight infants are at risk for nutritional deficiencies.
- Iron supplementation is common for these infants.
- The impact of iron on zinc status requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of prolonged iron supplementation on plasma zinc concentrations in low birthweight infants.
- To assess if recommended iron doses affect zinc levels unfavorably.
Main Methods:
- Studied 30 low birthweight infants (820-2000 g) at 6 or 12 months.
- Assessed iron status and plasma zinc concentrations.
- Compared infants receiving iron-fortified formula plus medicinal iron versus those receiving only fortified formula.
Main Results:
- Iron status differed significantly between groups.
- Plasma zinc concentrations were similar in both supplemented and non-supplemented groups.
- No plasma zinc values fell below 75 micrograms/100 ml.
Conclusions:
- Long-term iron supplementation at recommended doses appears safe for zinc status in low birthweight infants.
- Iron supplementation does not adversely affect plasma zinc concentrations in this population.
- Further research may explore optimal mineral balance in preterm infants.
Abstract:
We investigated the effect of prolonged iron supplementation of low birthweight infants on plasma zinc concentrations. Thirty infants (neonatal weight 820-2000 g) were examined at 6 or 12 months of life to assess their iron state and plasma zinc concentration. All of them were feeding on iron fortified formulas, which supply about 1 mg/kg/day of iron. In addition, 14 of them had been receiving 2 mg/kg/day of medicinal ferrous salts for at least five months. The other 16 were not given medicinal iron supplementation. Whereas iron state significantly differed in the two groups, plasma zinc concentrations were similar. Moreover, no zinc values below 75 micrograms/100 ml were found in any case. The results suggest that long term iron supplementation of low birthweight infants, at the recommended doses, does not influence zinc plasma concentrations unfavourably.