Abstract
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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 219-225 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Nutritional Neuroscience |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 1 2009 |
Keywords
- Ischemic stroke
- Rehabilitation
- Zinc
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Neuroscience(all)