Effects of Zinc Sulfate Supplementation in Treatment of Iron Defi ciency Anemia

OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to compare the effect(s) of zinc sulphate on growth and serum iron variables when it is given with ferrous sulphate in iron deficiency anemia (IDA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients (n=79) were randomly divided into two groups. In one group (n=40) 4 mg/kg/d ferrous sulfate was given orally. In the other group (n=39), in addition to ferrous sulfate, 5 mg/d oral zinc sulfate was given. RESULTS Compared to the initial values statistically significant increase in mean height, weight, and head circumference has been observed in both groups after 3 months. However, there was no statistical difference between two groups concerning mean height, weight, and head circumference at the beginning (83.43±11.3 cm vs 84.62±12.77 cm; 12.36±3.08 kg vs 12.72±3.87 kg; 47.33±2.15 cm vs 47.26±2.73 cm, respectively), at the first month, (84.82±10.97 vs 85.97±12.28; 12.78±3.09 vs 13.09±3.87; 47.76±2.10 vs 47.61±2.67, respectively), and at the third month, (86.4±11.12 vs 87.69±12.13; 12.9±3.06 vs 13.35±3.81; 48.22±1.89 vs 48.07±2.45, respectively). There were no statistical differences between mean hematological parameters of the groups at the beginning, at the first month, and at the third month, either (mean hb of Group 1: 8.78±1.12 g/dL; 11.27±1.09 g/ dL; 12.05±1.00 g/dL respectively and of Group 2: 9.10±1.07 g/dL; 11.12±0.85 g/dL; 11.80±0.79 g/dL, respectively). Mean ferritin and zinc values of the groups were statistically insignificant at the beginning (Mean ferritin: 4.96±4.03 μg/dL vs 4.52±2.94 μg/dL, zinc: 88.64±15.35 ng/mL vs 86.84±17.34 ng/mL). Their increase was statistically significant at the third month (mean ferritin: 15.91±9.57 μg/dL vs 15.25±10.47 μg/dL; zinc: 88.02±15.10 ng/mL vs 95.25±16.55 ng/mL). CONCLUSION In our study neither positive nor negative effect of zinc administration on IDA treatment was demonstrated. Therefore, in the treatment of IDA zinc together with iron should be used at different times if there is coexistent zinc deficiency. CONFLICT OF INTEREST None declared.