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Plasma zinc and copper in Paris area preschool children with growth impairment
A Chakar1, R Mokni, P A Walravens
1U.1 INSERM, Hôpital Bichat, Paris.
Insights
Low-income French preschool children with growth impairment showed lower plasma zinc levels, suggesting marginal zinc deficiency. This was particularly noted in underweight children and girls.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Trace Element Metabolism
- Growth and Development
Background:
- Growth impairment is a concern in preschool children from low-income households.
- Zinc deficiency can impact child development and growth parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma zinc and copper levels in French preschool children with growth impairment (GI).
- To determine if marginal zinc deficiency is present in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- Measured plasma zinc and copper in 116 French preschool children (2-5 years) from low-income families.
- Compared children with growth impairment (Weight-for-Height Z-score [WHZ] and/or Height-for-Age Z-score [HAZ] < -1) to matched controls (WHZ and HAZ > -1).
- Utilized paired t-tests to analyze differences in plasma concentrations.
Main Results:
- Mean plasma zinc was significantly lower in the GI group (12.58 ± 1.84 μmol/L) compared to controls (13.27 ± 1.98 μmol/L; p=0.028).
- Lower zinc levels were primarily associated with weight retardation (WHZ < -1; p < 0.009) and observed in girls (p < 0.05).
- No significant differences in plasma copper concentrations were found between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Results suggest marginal zinc deficiency in French preschool children experiencing growth impairment, particularly those with low weight-for-height.
- Zinc status should be monitored in preschool children with growth issues, especially in low-income settings.
Abstract:
Plasma zinc, copper, and parameters of growth were measured in a group of 116 French preschool children, 2-5 yr-old from low-income households. Participants were selected on the basis of Z-scores of weight for height (WHZ) and height for age (HAZ). Zinc and copper concentrations of children with growth impairment (GI), defined by a WHZ and/or HAZ < -1 Z-score, were compared to those of age, sex, and ethnic origin matched controls (WHZ and HAZ > -1 Z-score). Mean (+/- SD) plasma zinc concentration was 12.58 +/- 1.84 mumol/L in the GI group, and 13.27 +/- 1.98 mumol/L in the controls. The difference of the means of paired samples was 0.69 +/- 2.34, and by paired t-test the significance reached p = 0.028. This effect was primarily a result of the weight retarded group (WHZ < -1 Z-score, p < 0.009) and to the girls (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in plasma copper concentrations between groups. These results suggest the presence of marginal zinc deficiency in French preschool children with low weight for height Z-scores.