Relationship between zinc and growth hormone (GH) in GH deficient children

Abstract

Previous studies suggest that GH may increase daily zinc requirements to meet the demands of growing bone and to replace increased urinary losses. Since zinc is a necessary cofactor in many enzymes concerned with growth, we tested the hypothesis that zinc might he a limiting factor in the response of children receiving GH replacement. 8 patients with GH deficiency were followed for GH induced changes in urine and serum zinc during acute (0.3 IU/kg/day × 5 days) and chronic replacement (0.1 IU/kg tiwl. Zinc was measured in hair collected every 3 months. Zinc sulfate (220 mg/day) was given to half the patients during the second year of treatment. No significant changes in zinc concentration were observed with GH treatment: (all values mean±SEM)

There was no evidence of zinc deficiency, and zinc supplements did not enhance growth response to GH during the second year. We conclude that GH treatment in children does not alter serum, urine or hair zinc, and zinc availability does not appear to be a limiting factor in the treatment of GH deficiency.

GH was generously provided by the National Pituitary Agency.