From the Guidelines
For patients with iron deficiency, zinc picolinate dosing should be individualized, but a common recommendation is 0.5-1 mg/kg per day of elemental zinc, which can be given orally for 3-4 months, as stated in the espen micronutrient guideline 1. When considering zinc supplementation for iron deficiency, it's crucial to choose the right form and dosage to ensure effective treatment without interfering with other essential minerals.
- The dosage of 0.5-1 mg/kg per day is based on the recommendation for acquired zinc deficiency, which may coexist with iron deficiency in some patients.
- Organic compounds like zinc picolinate are preferred due to their better tolerability compared to inorganic forms like zinc sulfate or zinc chloride, as noted in Recommendation 13.7 of the espen micronutrient guideline 1.
- It's essential to monitor plasma or serum zinc levels to adjust the dosage accordingly, especially in cases where zinc deficiency is suspected to be more severe.
- The treatment duration of 3-4 months is a general guideline, and reassessment of zinc and iron levels is necessary to determine the need for continued supplementation.
- While zinc picolinate has better absorption characteristics, it's still important to take it between meals or at least two hours apart from iron supplements to prevent absorption interference, although this is not explicitly stated in the provided guideline, it is a general principle in mineral supplementation.
From the Research
Zinc Picolinate Dosing in Iron Deficiency
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding zinc picolinate dosing in iron deficiency.
- However, a study 2 found that zinc deficiency is associated with iron deficiency anemia and its symptoms, suggesting that zinc supplementation may be beneficial in cases of iron deficiency.
- The study 2 measured serum zinc levels and found that they were lower in iron deficiency anemia patients compared to healthy controls.
- Another study 3 compared the effects of ferrous sulfate and iron bis-glycinate chelate supplementation on ferritin concentration in schoolchildren with iron deficiency, but did not mention zinc picolinate.
- Studies 4, 5, and 6 discussed the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, but did not provide information on zinc picolinate dosing.
Related Findings
- Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition that can be caused by impaired iron absorption, which can be affected by zinc deficiency 2.
- Zinc supplementation may be considered in cases of iron deficiency, particularly in patients with severe epithelial dysfunctions 2.
- Intravenous iron preparations can be used to treat iron deficiency when oral preparations are ineffective or cannot be used 6.