Evaluation of serum zinc level in women with iron deficiency anemia.

Since similar symptoms and findings can be seen in the deficiencies of both iron and zinc, in our study we aimed to evaluate the serum zinc levels of women with iron deficiency anemia. Material and Methods Iron deficient anemic group consisting of 30 and control group consisting of 30 women were included in this study. Iron deficiency anemia was confirmed not only with the labaratory findings, but also with peripheral blood smearing. Serum zinc levels of both groups were measured and the consequencies were evaluated. Findings The demografic findings of both groups in terms of age were similar. When serum zinc levels compared, it was found to be lower in the iron deficient group than the control group which was statistically significant. Conclusion Zinc deficiency may accompany to iron deficiency anemia in women. Similar findings and symptoms affecting a lot of systems in the body may be found both in iron and zinc deficiencies, therefore the levels of zinc must carefully be evaluated in iron deficiency cases. More importantly when it is taken in charge that iron deficiency is still an existing problem in our country, further studies investigating the interactions between these elements must be performed. With the help of these studies, iron + zinc treatment in stead of only iron replacement may be considered in case of iron deficiency.