Volume 8 | Issue - 10
Volume 8 | Issue - 9
Volume 8 | Issue - 9
Volume 8 | Issue - 9
Volume 8 | Issue - 9
Background: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These include abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. This study investigates the impact of zinc supplementation on markers of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation in prepubescent children diagnosed with MetS. Methodology: A study design was ‘randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial’ conducted at Bacha Khan Medical College and affiliated hospitals over 1 year, among 100 prepubescent children aged 8-12 years with metabolic syndrome. The individuals were grouped into two: the zinc supplementation (n=50) and the placebo (n=50) receiving 10 mg/day of zinc/ a control for 6 months. Samples of blood were collected to assess insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde levels), and ‘inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6)’. Results: The zinc-supplemented group demonstrated a significant reduction in HOMA-IR (p less than 0.01), lower malondialdehyde levels (p less than 0.05), and decreased inflammatory markers, particularly ‘C-reactive protein and interleukin-6’ (p less than 0.01), compared to the placebo group. There were no significant alterations in these markers observed in the placebo group. Conclusion: Zinc supplementation in prepubescent children with metabolic syndrome significantly improves insulin resistance, reduces oxidative stress, and decreases inflammation. These findings suggest that zinc could serve as a beneficial therapeutic strategy to manage metabolic syndrome in children.