Title : Micronutrient deficiency in cystic fibrosis
Abstract:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder caused by various mutations that primarily impact the respiratory and digestive systems and can necessitate the intake of micronutrients. This research was a cross-sectional study to investigate micronutrients in a group of CF patients. We evaluated phenotypic characteristics, biochemical tests, and a dietary survey conducted over 72 hours. We assessed the levels of serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphate, and vitamin D. Seventeen CF patients participated (10 women, 59%), 76.5% had a Delta F580 mutation. Mean serum Zn (87 μg/dL), serum Cu (113 μg/dL), and dietary Zn intake (97% DRI: Dietary Reference Intake) were normal. Three of the 17 CF patients (17.6%) had hypozincemia, and four (23.5%) had dietary Zn deficiency. The mean serum Ca level was 2.45 mmol/L, and the Mg level was 0.82 mmol/L, indicating regular levels. The average dietary intake of Ca was 127% DRI, and Mg intake was at 125% DRI, indicating high levels of both nutrients. No patients had hypocalcemia. A total of 47 and 82% of our series had a high serum Ca/Mg ratio of >4.70 (mean 4.89) and a low Ca/Mg intake ratio of <1.70 (mean 1.10), respectively. 47% of patients had a deficiency in vitamin D intake, 53% had hypovitaminosis D, 35% had insufficient vitamin D levels, and 18% had hypophosphatemia. No patients with dietary Zn deficiency exhibited hypozincemia, indicating a potential marginal Zn deficiency. This situation suggests that approximately 41% of the cases may be at an increased risk of Zn deficiency. In 94% of CF cases, the Cu/Zn ratio was greater than 1.00 (with a normal value of 0.7-1), indicating a possible state of inflammation and highlighting the risk of Zn deficiency in these cases. These patients had a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Ca/Mg ratios were associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and even several cancers.
