Zinc supplementation improves bone density in patients with thalassemia: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patients with thalassemia major (Thal) frequently have low plasma zinc, which has been associated with low bone mass.

Objective

The objective was to determine the effect of zinc supplementation on bone mass in patients with Thal.

Design

Forty-two subjects (21 females aged 10-30 y) with Thal and low bone mass were randomly assigned to receive 25 mg Zn/d or placebo. Bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) were assessed by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and fasting blood was collected for the measurement of plasma zinc at 0, 12, and 18 mo.

Results

Thirty-two subjects, 81% of whom were transfusion dependent, completed the study (mean ± SD: 17.1 ± 5.2 y). Plasma zinc was ≤70 μg/dL in 11 subjects at baseline and increased

SUBMITTER: Fung EB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3778866 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature