P272 - THE EFFECT OF ZINC DEFICIENCY ON IMMUNE SYSTEM IN CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA: UPDATED SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

P272

THE EFFECT OF ZINC DEFICIENCY ON IMMUNE SYSTEM IN CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA: UPDATED SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

H. Imani^1,*, R. Salaribaghoonabad¹

¹Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Islamic Republic Of

Rationale: Zinc is involved in strengthening the immune system, and its deficiency in organs such as the respiratory system can be associated with asthma. In this study, we aim to investigate the relationship between zinc deficiency and immune system function in children with asthma and assess whether zinc supplementation can improve clinical outcomes.

Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis included clinical trials and observational studies, focusing on children with asthma and zinc status. Serum zinc levels and asthma control measures (such as frequency of exacerbations and use of rescue medications) were assessed.

Results: 40% of children with asthma were zinc deficient. Zinc-deficient children were 2.5 times more likely to have asthma exacerbations and were also 3 times more likely to have asthma exacerbations annually than children without asthma. Furthermore, zinc supplementation in several trials (n = 300 participants) led to a statistically significant reduction in exacerbation frequency (from an average of 4.0 to 2.1 per year, p < 0.001) and improved forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) by an average of 15% relative to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Zinc deficiency is common in children with asthma  and can lead to impaired immune function and asthma exacerbations. The results showed that zinc supplementation can improve asthma in children as an adjunct therapy. Therefore, it is essential to assess zinc status and correct the deficiency.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared