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Minerals, trace elements, vit. D and bone health

Zinc supplementation in children and adolescents with acute leukemia

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 67, pages 1056–1059 (2013)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background/objectives:

Zinc is known as an essential micronutrient for human health because of its structural and biochemical functions, influencing growth and affecting multiple aspects of the immune system. Zinc has been extensively studied in neoplastic processes but its role in children with leukemia still remains to be elucidated in several aspects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral zinc supplementation on weight gain and infectious episodes in children and adolescents with acute leukemia.

Subjects/methods:

This study included 38 patients, and was carried out as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation. The dosage of plasma zinc levels and the evaluation of nutritional status were performed during a period of 60 days. Zinc was supplemented orally, 2 mg/kg/day, in the form of amino acid salt.

Results:

The results showed that plasma zinc concentrations did not increase significantly with the addition of the micronutrient. However, from a clinical point of view, it has become evident that supplementary zinc exerts a positive effect on nutritional status as positive weight gain. Moreover, the number of infection episodes was significantly reduced, possibly because of the immune stimuli.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, zinc supplementation can prevent some of the chemotherapy adverse effects in children with leukemia, improving their quality of life.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful for financial support to CNPq and FUNDECT-MS (Brazilian agencies).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

    L Z Z Consolo, P Melnikov, F Z Cônsolo, V A Nascimento & J C D V Pontes

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  1. L Z Z Consolo
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Correspondence to L Z Z Consolo.

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Consolo, L., Melnikov, P., Cônsolo, F. et al. Zinc supplementation in children and adolescents with acute leukemia. Eur J Clin Nutr 67, 1056–1059 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2013.146

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