The effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc, alkaline phosphatase activity and fracture healing of bones

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#adult #alkaline-phosphatase #dietary-supplements #double-blind-method #female

The effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc, alkaline phosphatase activity and fracture healing of bones

Sadighi et al., 2008 | Saudi Med J | Rct

Citation

Sadighi Ali, Roshan Marjan M, ... Ostadrahimi Alireza. The effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc, alkaline phosphatase activity and fracture healing of bones. Saudi Med J. 2008-Sep;29(9):1276-9

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of zinc supplementation on callus formation, serum zinc and alkaline phosphatase activity in humans. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with traumatic bone fracture referred to Shohada Hospital of Tabriz, Iran from August to December 2007. Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: cases (n=30), receiving one capsule of zinc sulfate consists of 50 mg zinc each day and the controls (n=30), receiving placebo for 60 days. Individual and clinical information was determined by a questionnaire: nutritional intake by 3 days food records at the beginning and the end of trial. Serum zinc and alkaline phosphatase was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and by enzymatic method. Callus formation during fracture healing was evaluated by radiography of the bone. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in physical activity, gender, age, type of fractures, and nutrient intake, between the 2 groups. The administration of zinc caused a significant elevation of serum zinc and alkaline phosphatase activity. Assessment of bone x- rays showed a significant progress in callus formation in cases compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: This study shows that zinc supplementation can stimulate fracture healing, however, it needs further study.

Key Findings

There was no significant difference in physical activity, gender, age, type of fractures, and nutrient intake, between the 2 groups. The administration of zinc caused a significant elevation of serum zinc and alkaline phosphatase activity. Assessment of bone x- rays showed a significant progress in callus formation in cases compared to the controls.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population traumatic bone fracture referred
Sample Size 30
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Alkaline Phosphatase
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Fracture Healing
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Zinc
  • Zinc Sulfate

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: zinc-wound

Provenance

  • PMID: 18813411
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09