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ROLE OF ZINC IN WOUND, HEALING, PICA, MALARIA, SICKLE CELL ANEMIA |
Role of zinc in wound healing
Zinc deficiency has been associated with delayed wound healing. Many zinc dependent enzymes are required for wound healing such as collagen synthesis and cell division (1). However excess zinc ingestion interferes with copper absorption and can interfere with wound healing (2).
Studies in adults
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A study of young men with wounds caused by excision of pilonidal sinus and low plasma zinc levels showed improved rate of re-epithelization when supplemented with zinc (3). |
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A double blind trial of 27 adults with chronic venous leg ulcers revealed that in patients treated with zinc sulfate, ulcers healed faster than in the control group when there was low serum zinc levels initially (4).
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A recent review of nutritional factors related to wound healing, it is stated that supplementing specific nutrients in patients who are not clinically deficient to expense, has little effect and is potentially toxic, as in case of zinc (5). |
Role of zinc in pica
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A study from Chandigarh, India found that plasma zinc levels was about 45% lower in pica group than in controls whereas serum iron was about 20% lower than in the controls (6). |
Role of zinc in sickle cell anemia
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Zinc supplementation in patients with sickle cell anemia seems to prolong red cell life span and reduces vascular obstruction and also cause maturation of gonads (7, 8). |
Role of zinc in malaria
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A randomized trial in preschool children in Papua New Guinea demonstrated 38% reduction in plasmodium falciparum health centre based episodes and episodes (9). |
Conclusion: With few studies showing potential impact of zinc supplementation in aiding wound healing pica, malaria, sickle cell anemia, clinical caution is advised in nutrient specific supplementation with zinc in these conditions.
References
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Prasad AS, Zinc: an overview. Nutrition 1995;II(Suppl):93-9. |
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2. |
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Marti A, Allred CG. Role of zinc in wound healing. Adv in Wound Care, 1999;12:137-8. |
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3. |
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Pones WJ, Henzel JH, Rob CG et al. Acceleration of wound healing in man with zinc sulphate given by mouth. Lancet 1967;1:121-4. |
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4. |
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Hallbook T, Lanner F. Serum zinc and healing of venous leg ulcers. Lancet. |
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5. |
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Thomas DR. Specific nutritional factors in wound healing. Adv Wound Care 1997;10(4):40-3. |
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6. |
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Singhi S, Ravishanker R, Singhi P, Nath R. Low plasma zinc and iron in pica. Indian J Pediatr 2003;70:139-43. |
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7. |
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Dani VS. Sickle cell disease. In: IAP Textbook of Pediatrics. 630-32. |
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8. |
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rasad AS, Abbasi AA, Rabbani P et al. Effect of zinc supplementation on serum testosterone level in adult male sickle cell anemia subjects. Am J Hematol 1981;10:119-27. |
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9. |
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Shankeu AH, Genton B, Baisor M et al. The influence of zinc supplementation on morbidity due to plasmodium falciparum: a randomized trial in preschool children in Papua New Guinea. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2000;62:663-9.
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