Zinc Important for Lung Health

A recently published study reports that zinc is important for lung health in children. Zinc is an essential mineral required for over 100 enzymes in the body. Zinc plays a role in immune function, cell division, normal growth and development, protein synthesis, and taste and smell.

Twenty-five subjects between 0-24 months of age were included in the study. The subjects had been referred to a pediatric clinic and had been evaluated for lower respiratory health. Ten healthy children were used as the control group. The children were evaluated for breast milk intake, white blood cell count, serum iron and zinc, and total protein levels.

The results of the study showed that children with suboptimal respiratory function had a shorter duration of breast feeding and a higher white blood cell count compared to the control group. Also, the children in the control group had significantly higher levels of serum iron and zinc compared to the children with suboptimal lower respiratory health. Furthermore, the children in the control group had higher total protein levels compared to the children with suboptimal lower respiratory health.

The researchers concluded that suboptimal respiratory health may develop more commonly among children with low serum zinc levels.

Reference:

Arıca S, Arıca V, Dag H, Kaya A, Hatipoglu S, Fenercioglu A, Karatekin G. Serum zinc levels in children of 0-24 months diagnosed with pneumonia admitted to our clinic. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2011;4(3):227-33.