The effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc, alkaline phosphatase activity and fracture healing of bones.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of zinc supplementation on callus formation, serum zinc and alkaline phosphatase activity in humans.


METHODS
This randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with traumatic bone fracture referred to Shohada Hospital of Tabriz, Iran from August to December 2007. Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: cases (n=30), receiving one capsule of zinc sulfate consists of 50 mg zinc each day and the controls (n=30), receiving placebo for 60 days. Individual and clinical information was determined by a questionnaire: nutritional intake by 3 days food records at the beginning and the end of trial. Serum zinc and alkaline phosphatase was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and by enzymatic method. Callus formation during fracture healing was evaluated by radiography of the bone.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in physical activity, gender, age, type of fractures, and nutrient intake, between the 2 groups. The administration of zinc caused a significant elevation of serum zinc and alkaline phosphatase activity. Assessment of bone x- rays showed a significant progress in callus formation in cases compared to the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that zinc supplementation can stimulate fracture healing, however, it needs further study.
Sadighi
Ali
A
Department of Orthopedics, Shohada Hospital Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Roshan
Marjan M
MM
Moradi
Amin
A
Ostadrahimi
Alireza
A
D000328:Adult; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood*; D019287:Zinc Sulfate / Q000494:pharmacology*
D019287:Zinc Sulfate; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D015032:Zinc