Normalization of zinc intake enhances neurological retrieval of patients suffering from ischemic strokes

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate whether zinc (Zn²⁺) supplementation could contribute to neurological retrieval of patients suffering from strokes and low Zn²⁺ intake. Patients and methods: Twenty-six patients with subacute stroke, having adequate daily energy (≥ 24 kcal/kg/day) and protein (≥ 0.8 g/kg/day) intake (EPI) and Zn ²⁺ ingestion lower than two-thirds of the recommended allowance of 10 mg/day, were randomly allocated either to a control group (n = 13) or Zn ²⁺ group (n = 13) where Zn²⁺ supplementation consisted of 10 mg Zn²⁺/day. Neurological gravity was tested with the NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) at patient admission and after 30 days of protocol commencement. Results:At day 30, the improvement in NIHSS was higher in the zinc group than in the placebo (-4.7 ± 1.3 points versus -3.3 ± 1.1 points; P ≤ 0.02).NIHSS and Zn²⁺ intake were negatively correlated (r = -0.46; P ≤ 0.02). Conclusion: The normalization of Zn²⁺ intake in stroke patients with low mineral intake may enhance neurological recovery.