Abstract
Previous studies have shown that zinc levels decrease during the first month of life in premature infants. An attempt was made to raise zinc levels by increasing the oral intake in one of two groups of premature infants who were matched for birth wt x = 1440 gm, gestational age x = 31.3 wks, onset and volume (cc/Kg/day) of feedings and caloric intake (k cal/Kg/day).Group I received 1.00 mg Zn/dl of formula while Group II received 0.40 mg Zn/dl of formula. Zinc levels were obtained on study day 0 and every 7th day for 4 weeks and determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
Serum albumin, total protein and alkaline phosphatase levels were similar for each feeding group at each time period as was growth, as measured by weight, length and head circumference gains. Despite a 2.5 fold increase in zinc intake in Group I, serum levels were similar to that of control infants. Factors other than zinc intake must govern the level of zinc in the growing premature infant.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ormazabal, M., Kirkpatrick, B., Mueller, D. et al. 613 EFFECT OF INCREASED ZINC INTAKE ON SERUM ZINC LEVELS IN PREMATURE INFANTS. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 542 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00626
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00626
