Estimation of serum zinc and alkaline phosphatase in malnourished children

The serum Zinc, Alkaline phosphatase activity and Albumin levels of 50 protein energy malnourished children (6 months – 5 years) were compared with those of 50 normal chil-dren. The levels of zinc was found to be significantly low in malnourished groups and tended to vary with the degree of malnutrition as compared to the control group (p<0.001). These levels were lower in children who had skin lesions than in those without such lesions (p<0.001). The alkaline phosphatase activity was also lower in the malnourished children as compared to control group (p<0.001). There was a positive correlation between the alkaline phosphatase activity and the zinc concentration. The low serum zinc levels were also corre-lated positively with hypolbuminaemia. In summary, malnourished children are often in negative zinc balance and may develop systemic zinc deficiency. Replacement with supplemental zinc may be needed to maintain or replete zinc stores.