The effect of zinc supplementation on fatigue among elderly community dwellers: A parallel clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Fatigue is one of the most common complaints of the elderly. This study was conducted to assess the effect of zinc supplements on fatigue among the elderly.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 150 elderly aged ≥60 years who were recruited from the health centers (Kashan, Iran) with a convenience sampling method. Participants were allocated to intervention and control groups by block randomization. Participants in the intervention group received a daily dose of 30 mg of zinc supplement for 70 days; meanwhile, in the control group, no intervention was performed. The level of fatigue was measured by the multidimensional fatigue inventory before and after the intervention. Both groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables, fatigue, and serum zinc level before the intervention. The significance level was considered as 0.05 in all tests.

RESULTS

Zinc supplementation significantly reduced fatigue (mean difference: -10.41 vs 1.37, P < .001) and increased serum zinc level (mean difference: 14.22, vs -0.57, P < .001) compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of zinc supplements for the elderly is recommended to overcome fatigue.

Relationship of zinc status with depression and anxiety among elderly population

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Population aging is a global challenge. Old populations are prone to zinc deficiency. This study aimed to determine the association of zinc status with depression and anxiety among men and women aged 60+ years old.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 297 elderly participants (144 males and 153 females) were studied. The dietary and serum zinc were assessed using a three-day dietary record and an auto-analyzer, respectively. Depression and anxiety were measured using Geriatric Depression Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, respectively. Chi-squared test was used to compare qualitative variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess relationship between zinc status and depression/anxiety.

RESULTS

The total zinc deficiency based on serum values was 23.2%. Dietary intake of zinc in 72.4%of participants was less than of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). The total depression prevalence was 42.2%. Moreover, 52.5% of the participants suffered from anxiety. The odds of depression among participants in the third tertile of serum zinc concentration was 51% lower than those in the first tertile (OR = 0.49, CI = 0.25-0.96, p = 0.03). No significant relationship was found between zinc intake and depression. Furthermore, serum or dietary zinc levels were not related to anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a considerable zinc deficiency and depression/anxiety in the old population. A significant relation was found between serum zinc concentration and depression. Further surveys, especially cohort studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.