Zinc status of Libyan children -- a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Trace Element Metabolism

Background:

• Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for child development and growth.
• Nutritional status, including zinc levels, can vary geographically and with age.
• Previous studies have indicated potential zinc deficiencies in certain populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate hair zinc concentrations in children from North and South Libya.
• To compare zinc levels across different age groups (newborns, toddlers, school-children).
• To assess the implications of observed zinc levels in relation to growth and international comparisons.

Main Methods:

• Hair samples were collected from children in North and South Libya.
• Hair zinc content was quantified using appropriate analytical methods.
• Data were analyzed to determine zinc levels by age group and region.

Main Results:

• Newborns in both North and South Libya exhibited similar hair zinc levels (213 +/- 36 micrograms/g).
• Hair zinc concentrations decreased significantly during infancy.
• Toddlers and school-children showed considerably lower hair zinc levels (88-89 micrograms/g), comparable to children with low growth percentiles or poor zinc status elsewhere.

Conclusions:

• Libyan newborns have adequate hair zinc levels.
• A significant decline in hair zinc occurs during childhood in Libya.
• The low hair zinc levels in older children suggest a potential public health concern regarding zinc status and its impact on growth.