ABSTRACT
Trace elements have been considered to play critical roles in bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine serum zinc profile and its association with bone mineral density [BMD] abnormalities in thalassemic patients. Serum zinc levels of 131 transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemic patients, between 10-20 years of age, were measured by flame-atomic absorption spectrophotometry [F-AAS]. BMD values at lumbar [L1-L4] and femoral neck were determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry [DXA]. Daily dietary zinc and calcium intake were evaluated by food frequency questionnaires. Patients' history of treatment and demographic data were obtained. Low serum zinc was present in 84.8% of the patients and severely low levels detected in 44.7%. In 68.7% and 17.6% of the patients BMD z-scores less than [-2] were observed at lumbar and femoral regions. Female patients with severe zinc deficiency had lower lumbar BMD z-scores [-3.26] in comparison to other females [-2.54]. Serum zinc levels of female patients with femoral BMD z-scores less than [-2], were significantly lower than those of other females. Considering low serum zinc level and decreased daily zinc intake, proper nutrition of thalassemic patients should be regarded important