Zinc Nutrition of Children in Fars Province of Iran

Abstract

A search has been made for evidence of zinc deficiency in children in the Shiraz region between the ages of 3 and 14. Certain changes associated with zinc deficiency in adolescence including enlargement of the liver, anemia, and impaired growth (not explained by recognized causes) were observed with a significantly greater frequency among village boys than urban boys. These signs were associated with a significantly lowered concentration of zinc in serum when the village boys as a group were compared with urban or village control groups. The incidence of low serum-zinc concentrations in individuals also was greater. Low concentrations of zinc in serum and associated signs possibly attributable to zinc deficiency occurred less frequently in girls. However, a tendency toward low concentrations of zinc in hair was observed. Systemic illness in childhood may be accompanied by lowered zinc concentrations in serum and in hair. Our observations suggest that chronic systemic illness or stress arising from various other causes superimposed upon the marginal zinc intake of village boys may deplete body stores of zinc during time preadolescent years. The syndrome of arrested growth, hypogonadism, anemia, and hepatomegaly in male adolescents attributed to zinc deficiency, therefore, may have its antecedents in early childhood.