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Tracing Zinc's Role in Preterm Infants' Health: A Narrative Review
Alessandra Consales1, Carlo Agostoni2, Roberta Cazzola3
1Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2023-2027, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)
|December 15, 2024
Summary
Zinc (Zn) is crucial for preterm infants, who face high deficiency risks. Supplementation can aid growth, but optimal dosing and safety require more research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Trace Element Metabolism
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Zinc (Zn) is vital for infant development, enzyme function, and cell signaling.
- Preterm infants are highly susceptible to Zn deficiency due to impaired transfer and high demands.
- Dietary intake, human milk composition, and formula bioavailability significantly impact Zn status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the critical role of zinc in preterm infants.
- To identify challenges in Zn deficiency detection and management.
- To highlight research gaps in Zn supplementation for this population.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Analysis of Zn bioavailability in human and formula milk.
- Examination of clinical signs and supplementation strategies.
Main Results:
- Preterm infants have increased Zn needs and risk of deficiency.
- Human milk Zn content is lower and declines post-birth; formula Zn is higher but less bioavailable.
- Zn supplementation shows potential but requires optimized dosing and safety data.
Conclusions:
- Zinc is essential for preterm infant health, growth, and mitigating complications.
- Early detection of Zn deficiency is difficult; clinical suspicion is key.
- Further research is needed to establish evidence-based Zn supplementation guidelines for preterm infants.
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