A study of magnitude of zinc deficiency and effectiveness of zinc supplementation among elderly with zinc deficiency

A study of magnitude of zinc deficiency and effectiveness of zinc supplementation among elderly with zinc deficiency: Sindhu Kilaru, Prathiba Pereira, B J Subhash Chandra, Basavanagowdappa Hattur, Sri Harsha Chalasani



International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences 2020 9(1):21-24



INTRODUCTION: Despite the significant role played by Zinc, the body stores of Zinc are very minimal and easily depleted. Zinc deficiency is known to be associated with various pathological conditions, including impaired immunity, delayed wound healing, retarded growth, neural development disorders and degenerative diseases. The loss experienced due to zinc deficiency sums to nearly 16 million global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). This study focuses on the magnitude of Zinc deficiency and the effect of Zinc Supplementation among the hospitalized Elderly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective interventional study has been carried out in Department of General Medicine, JSS medical college and hospital, Mysore, from November 2016 to August 2018. The serum zinc level was assessed by Zinc Colorimetric Method. Tools like Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)-SF and The KATZ Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living were used to collect relevant data from the participants.

RESULTS: A total of 100 elderly subjects were included in the final analysis. 38(38%) people had normal Zinc level. The mean serum Zinc levels pre and post interventions were reported to be 7.27 ± 1.33 gm/dl and 11.49 ± 1.83 gm/dl respectively. The difference in the pre and post intervention serum Zinc level was statistically significant (P value < 0.001). Among the people with Oral ulcers decreased taste before zinc supplementation only 6 (23.1%) participants had oral ulcers after supplementation. Decrease in vision before supplement 18 (78.3%) had improved after supplement. The difference between decreased vision before and after supplementation was statistically significant (P value-0.015).

CONCLUSION: The magnitude of zinc deficiency is noted in majority of the subjects. Supplementation in old age has a positive effect in Zinc levels. As ageing is a risk factor for Zinc deficiency, prophylactic doses of Zinc could be an option to prevent Zinc deficiency.