Zinc Intake, Zinc Serum Levels, and Intelligence in School Children in Rural Areas

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Children in rural areas are susceptible to zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency in children can affect cognitive function in children. Zinc plays a role in cellular function and critical brain growth processes, including cell replication, DNA and RNA synthesis, and the release of neurotransmitters. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the condition of zinc deficiency and its relationship with the level of intelligence in children in rural areas. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional, with a sample of 44 elementary school children aged 9–12 years taken randomly. Blood was drawn to measure serum Zn-levels, and serum Zn-levels were measured using Colorimetric Assay Kit (E-BC-K137). Zinc intake data were obtained from the food recall form, which was carried out 3 × 24 h. The level of intelligence is measured by the Culture Fair Intelligence Test method. The sample characteristics data obtained through a questionnaire. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: About 84.2% of children with insufficient zinc intake had low serum Zn-levels. There was a significant relationship between zinc intake and serum zinc levels (p = 0.026; PR = 4.293). Children with low serum zinc levels of 96.5% have intelligence levels below average. There was a significant relationship between serum zinc levels and intelligence level as well (p = 0.001; PR = 24,500). CONCLUSION: Zinc deficiency in children is characterized by low serum Zn-levels. Low serum Zn-level is caused by low zinc intake, thus children with low serum Zn-levels are at risk of having intelligence level below average. Therefore, health education about the importance of zinc intake in children should be given to parents, so that the incidence of zinc deficiency in children can be reduced.

Association of Hair Zinc Level with Cognitive and Language Delays in Children Aged 9–24 Months Old

“…It showed that low zinc level increase the incidence of children have low intelligence 24.5 times compared to normal zinc and low socio-economic level causes insufficient intake of nutrients that rich of zinc such as nutrients from animal origin. In this study, the zinc results was fluctuating but showed low zinc level as risk factor, in accordance with research in developing country, weak socio-economic condition risky for insufficient intake of zinc-containing nutrients and risky for suffering chronic zinc deficiency that is not visible through serum zinc analysis [42].…”

Hubungan Antara Status Gizi, Asupan Zat Besi Dan Seng Dengan Prestasi Belajar Pada Remaja Putri Di SMP Santo Yoseph

“…[7][8] Defisiensi terhadap seng pada periode remaja disebabkan oleh meningkatnya kebutuhan nutrisi untuk pertumbuhan yang cepat dan kebiasaan makan yang tidak tepat. 9 Riset Kesehatan Dasar di Indonesia yang dilakukan pada tahun 2013 menunjukkan bahwa insiden pada anemia perempuan usia sekolah dan remaja adalah 26,4% dan prevalensi anemia pada perempuan remaja dan dewasa adalah 18,4%. Sedangkan survey kesehatan nasional di Indonesia yang dilakukan pada tahun 2006 untuk mengetahui prevalensi anak kekurangan seng, berdasarkan data diperoleh prevalensi anak kekurangan seng adalah sebesar 36,1%.…”