Effect of Zinc on Efficacy of Iron Supplementation in Improving Iron and Zinc Status in Women

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Phuong Nguyen, Emory University; Ruben Grajeda, Pan American Health Organization; Paul Melgar, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama; Jessica Marcinkevage, Emory University; Rafael Flores-Ayala, Emory University; Usha Ramakrishnan, Emory University; Reynaldo Martorell, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2012-03-10
• Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2012 Phuong Nguyen et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1155%2F2012%2F216179
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism
• Volume: 2012
• Start Page: 1
• End Page: 8
• Grant/Funding Information: This project was funded by Grant 52170-21/23 from the Association of Schools of Public Health, Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, The Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry, USA.
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Nutrition; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Iron and zinc may interact in micronutrient supplements and thereby decrease efficacy. We investigated interactive effects of combined zinc and iron supplementation in a randomized controlled trial conducted in 459 Guatemalan women. Four groups were supplemented for 12 weeks: (1) weekly iron and folic acid (IFA); (2) weekly IFA and 30 mg zinc; (3) daily IFA; (4) daily IFA and 15 mg zinc. Effects were assessed by generalized linear regression. Baseline hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was 137.4 ± 15.5 g/L, 13% were anemic and 54% had zinc deficiency. Hb cconcentrations were similar by supplement type, but Hb concentrations improved significantly in anemic women at baseline (increase of 21.8 g/L). Mean percentage changes in serum ferritin were significantly higher in daily compared to weekly supplemented groups (86% versus 32%). The addition of zinc to IFA supplements had no significant impact on iron or zinc status. In conclusion, adding zinc to IFA supplements did not modify efficacy on iron status or improve zinc status, but daily supplementation was more efficacious than weekly in improving iron stores.