Zinc deficiency in the pediatric age group is comm

Authors: Dogus Vuralli Leyla Tumer Alev Hasanoglu

Publish Date: 2017/01/19

Volume: 13, Issue: 4, Pages: 360-366

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Abstract

Subclinical micronutrient deficiencies have been gradually becoming more important as a public health problem and drawing attention of the health authorities Today it has been known that detecting and treating people having deficiency symptoms alone is no longer sufficient It is important to detect and prevent any deficiency before it displays clinical manifestations Zinc deficiency is one of the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies In this study we aimed to evaluate the zinc status and the associated factors in healthy schoolage childrenThe study was carried out in schools in Altindag the district of Ankara A total of 1063 healthy children 585 girls and 478 boys aged 5–16 years were included in the study Serum zinc highsensitivity Creactive protein levels and white blood cell count were measured A serum zinc level 65 μg/dL was considered as subclinical zinc deficiency for children 10 years of age For children ≥10 years of age the cutoffs for serum zinc concentration were set at 66 μg/dL for females and 70 μg/dL for males A questionnaire was developed to collect socioeconomic and demographic information of the participantsEvaluating the indicators of zinc deficiency such as serum zinc concentration dietary zinc intake and stunting prevalence this study is the most comprehensive epidemiological study performed in children in Turkey This study reveals the high prevalence of subclinical zinc deficiency and indicates that zinc deficiency is a public health concern for the study population

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