Blood zinc and iron levels in children of out patient department at tertiary care hospital of Multan

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess the blood levels of zinc [Zn] and iron [Fe] in of children. This descriptive was carried out in the Department of Chemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, PMRC Research Center, Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Department of Paediatric Medicine, Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan. 2004-2005. One hundred children [boys and girls] aged 1-10 years belonging to rural and urban areas attending the out patient department for minor illnesses at Nishtar Hospital, Multan were included in this study. Information regarding age, height, weight, history of past illnesses and dietary food frequency were recorded. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used as an analytical tool to quantify zinc and iron concentrations. Whole mean blood Zn and Fe levels in children were found to be as 759 +/- 243 microg/100 ml and 38.8 +/- 5.5 mg/000 ml respectively. Relationship of blood Zn and Fe levels with age of the children were determined. Results indicate that blood zinc and iron levels in the children were lower than the normal reference values. This study suggests that mineral rich diet should be given to the children of this region for their healthy growth