Normalization of zinc intake enhances neurological retrieval of patients suffering from ischemic strokes.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to investigate whether zinc (Zn2+) supplementation could contribute to neurological retrieval of patients suffering from strokes and low Zn2+ intake.


METHODS
Twenty-six patients with subacute stroke, having adequate daily energy (> or = 24 kcal/kg/day) and protein (> or = 0.8 g/kg/day) intake (EPI) and Zn2+ ingestion lower than two-thirds of the recommended allowance of 10 mg/day, were randomly allocated either to a control group (n = 13) or Zn2+ group (n = 13) where Zn2+ supplementation consisted of 10 mg Zn2+/day. Neurological gravity was tested with the NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) at patient admission and after 30 days of protocol commencement.


RESULTS
At day 30, the improvement in NIHSS was higher in the zinc group than in the placebo (-4.7 +/- 1.3 points versus -3.3 +/- 1.1 points; P < 0.02). NIHSS and Zn2+ intake were negatively correlated (r = -0.46; P < 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
The normalization of Zn2+ intake in stroke patients with low mineral intake may enhance neurological recovery.
Aquilani
Roberto
R
Metabolic Service and Nutritional Pathophysiology, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Montescano, Italy.
Baiardi
Paola
P
Scocchi
Marco
M
Iadarola
Paolo
P
Verri
Manuela
M
Sessarego
Paolo
P
Boschi
Federica
F
Pasini
Evasio
E
Pastoris
Ornella
O
Viglio
Simona
S
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004032:Diet; D015930:Diet Records; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000172:deficiency
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D015032:Zinc