Zinc Supplementation and Growth in Sickle Cell Disease

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Using flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry, a technique for measuring Zn in neutrophils was devised. Neutrophil Zn levels in patients with sickle cell anemia correlated significantly with height and weight, and with serum testosterone in men. Such correlations were not seen with Zn levels in plasma or erythroyctes. The beneficial effects of Zn supplementation on longitudinal growth and body weight in 14- to 18-yr-old patients with sickle cell anemia are reported. Thus, the neutrophil Zn level is a reliable and sensitive indicator of Zn deficiency in these patients.