Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: January | Volume: 7 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 248-252
Serum Zinc Status of Children Suffering from Diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infection
Manar Fathima, Sangeeta Pandey
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Mount Carmel College, No.58, Palace Road, Bengaluru-560052.
Corresponding Author: Manar Fathima
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Zinc is an essential micronutrient, required to prevent morbidity and mortality in children. Zinc deficiency is the major cause for the prevalence of diarrhea and acute respiratory infection worldwide.
Objectives: The main objective of the study was to assess the zinc status and its relation to infection among the children.
Methodology: An observational study was carried out in Vani Vilas Hospital, Bengaluru and 70 subjects suffering from diarrhea and acute respiratory infection were selected.
Results: Majority of subjects (49%) belonged to the age group of less than one year. It was found that 67% of the subjects were from upper lower socio economic class. The study revealed that the prevalence of zinc deficiency was highest among children belonging to age group of 3-4 years and their mean serum zinc level was 62.42±23 mg/dL.
Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that 60% of the study subjects suffering from diarrhea and respiratory infection were zinc deficient.
Key words: Zinc, Serum Zinc, Acute Respiratory Infection, Diarrhea, micro-nutrient.