Zinc levels in neonatal life influence long-term neurodevelopment

Many preclinical studies demonstrated a key role of zinc (Zn) intake in neurodevelopmental processes. Brion at al. recently published a cohort study on Journal of Perinatology, demonstrating that Zn supplementation improved head circumference. However, they concluded that there is still urgent need of studies regarding the effects of early life Zn supplementation and Zn deficiency on NDV. To make our contribution in addressing this issue, we herein show our data regarding the relationship between serum Zn levels in preterm newborns and long-term effects on NDV. We found a significantly (p < 0.05) positive correlation between total composite motor score and serum Zn levels at 28 DOL (r = 0.467). In order to improve NDV of preterm newborns, optimization of early nutritional strategies, including Zn supplementation, represent an important toll to be considered.