Correcting zinc deficiency in nursing home residents: a randomized trial comparing 30 and 60 mg/day elemental zinc supplementation
Ortega EF, Yao JH, Guo W, Boehm SK, Ergil E, Wu D, et al.
Published in Front Nutr, Vol. 13, pp. 1935770
Methodology
12-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in zinc-deficient nursing-home residents comparing 30 and 60 mg a day of elemental zinc with placebo (26-35 per group).
Key Findings
Both doses raised serum zinc versus placebo (p<0.001). All of the 60 mg group reached the target (above 70 µg/dL) by month 8; 13 of 28 (46.4%) in the 30 mg group did. No effect on copper status was detected.
Conclusions
60 mg a day corrected deficiency in this population with no adverse effects detected; 30 mg corrected it in under half.
Limitations
Not powered for clinical outcomes; older nursing-home residents only; exploratory symptom data (coughs, fevers) were self-reported.
Supplements Studied
60 mg/day of elemental zinc effectively corrected deficiency with no adverse effects
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.