title: Effects of Zinc Sulfate Supplementation in Treatment of Iron Defi ciency Anemia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study, we aimed to compare the effect(s) of zinc sulphate on growth and serum iron variables when it is given with ferrous sulphate in iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients (n=79) were randomly divided into two groups. In one group (n=40) 4 mg/kg/d ferrous sulfate was given orally. In the other group (n=39), in addition to ferrous sulfate, 5 mg/d oral zinc sulfate was given.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to the initial values statistically significant increase in mean height, weight, and head circumference has been observed in both groups after 3 months. However, there was no statistical difference between two groups concerning mean height, weight, and head circumference at the beginning (83.43±11.3 cm vs 84.62±12.77 cm; 12.36±3.08 kg vs 12.72±3.87 kg; 47.33±2.15 cm vs 47.26±2.73 cm, respectively), at the first month, (84.82±10.97 vs 85.97±12.28; 12.78±3.09 vs 13.09±3.87; 47.76±2.10 vs 47.61±2.67, respectively), and at the third month, (86.4±11.12 vs 87.69±12.13; 12.9±3.06 vs 13.35±3.81; 48.22±1.89 vs 48.07±2.45, respectively). There were no statistical differences between mean hematological parameters of the groups at the beginning, at the first month, and at the third month, either (mean hb of Group 1: 8.78±1.12 g/dL; 11.27±1.09 g/ dL; 12.05±1.00 g/dL respectively and of Group 2: 9.10±1.07 g/dL; 11.12±0.85 g/dL; 11.80±0.79 g/dL, respectively). Mean ferritin and zinc values of the groups were statistically insignificant at the beginning (Mean ferritin: 4.96±4.03 μg/dL vs 4.52±2.94 μg/dL, zinc: 88.64±15.35 ng/mL vs 86.84±17.34 ng/mL). Their increase was statistically significant at the third month (mean ferritin: 15.91±9.57 μg/dL vs 15.25±10.47 μg/dL; zinc: 88.02±15.10 ng/mL vs 95.25±16.55 ng/mL).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In our study neither positive nor negative effect of zinc administration on IDA treatment was demonstrated. Therefore, in the treatment of IDA zinc together with iron should be used at different times if there is coexistent zinc deficiency.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  None declared.
authors.affiliation: Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Meltem
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gülsan
authors.affiliation: Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Barış
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Malbora
authors.affiliation: Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Zekai
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Avcı
authors.affiliation: Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Nilüfer
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bayraktar
authors.affiliation: Ankara Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ikbal
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bozkaya
authors.affiliation: Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Hematology, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Namik
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ozbek
keywords: Ferrous sulfate; Iron deficiency anemia; Zinc sulfate; treatment