Original Paper

The Effect of Zinc Supplements in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
S. Van Biervliet, S. Vande Velde, J.P. Van Biervliet, E. Robberecht

Pediatric Department, UZ Ghent, Ghent, Belgium

Address of Corresponding Author

Ann Nutr Metab 2008;52:152-156 (DOI: 10.1159/000129650)

  Key Words

• Cystic fibrosis
• Energy intake
• Pulmonary function
• Zinc

  Abstract

Aim: To study the effect of Zn supplements in cystic fibrosis (CF) on disease evolution. Methods: A retrospective study of all CF patients treated with Zn supplements (January 2002 to December 2004). Data from patient files for the year before and the first year of supplementation were compared. The controls were CF patients with normal serum Zn and without Zn supplementation. Results: 21 patients (7 females), median age 8.9 (interquartile range 13.1) years, received 5 mg/kg Zn sulfate/day (maximum 150 mg). The number of infections decreased from 3 (1.25) to 2 (2.0) (tied p < 0.02) and the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) increased from 72.0 (38.4) to 76.5 (52)% (p < 0.02). Energy intake improved (92.3 (14.5) to 117.0 (28.5)%; tied p < 0.02), as did weight for height (W/H; 90 (9.4) to 94 (8.5)%; tied p = 0.043). In the CF control patients the number of infections (2.0 (2.0)), energy intake (116 (43.3)%) and nutritional status remained stable (W/H 99 (17.2)%), but pulmonary function decreased significantly (FEV₁ loss of 2.0 (8.0)%). There was a significantly different evolution for the change in forced vital capacity (p < 0.004) and FEV₁ (p < 0.001) between supplemented and control patients. Conclusions: Analysis of the clinical data on Zn supplementation in CF showed beneficial effects in Zn-deficient CF patients. These results must be confirmed in a prospective double-blind randomized control trial.

Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. S. Van Biervliet
Pediatric Department, UZ Ghent
De Pintelaan 185
BE-9000 Ghent (Belgium)
Tel. +32 9 240 5514, Fax +32 9 332 3875, E-Mail stephanie.vanbiervliet@ugent.be

  Article Information

Received: August 1, 2007
Accepted: November 6, 2007
Published online: April 29, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 32