THE HIDDEN LINK: HOW VITAMIN D AND ZINC INFLUENCE GROWTH AND MENTAL HEALTH IN CHILDREN.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vitamin D and zinc are critical micronutrients for growth and neurocognitive development. This Case-controlled, single-center, clinical study evaluates their associations with anthropometric and mental health parameters in Georgian children. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between vitamin D and zinc levels and children's growth and mental health indicators.

METHODS

The study focused on children's growth and mental health. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected, and growth rates as well as mental/emotional indicators were assessed. Statistical analysis included group comparisons and Pearson correlation. A total of 226 healthy children aged 3 to 10 years (mean age: 7.4 ± 2.2 years) participated in the study, of whom 117 (51.8%) were girls. The participants were randomly selected and divided into four groups: Group I - children with both vitamin D and zinc deficiency, Group II - children with vitamin D deficiency and normal zinc levels, Group III - children with normal vitamin D levels and zinc deficiency, Group IV - children with both vitamin D and zinc levels within the normal range. Among the participants, 82.7% had a socially satisfactory status. The study was conducted over an extended period without considering seasonality, as vitamin D deficiency is common in our population, especially among children. Children with chronic illnesses, a history of premature birth, or nutritional disorders were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

Children with vitamin D and zinc deficiency exhibited significantly lower height, increased BMI, and lower IQ. Strong correlations were observed between vitamin D levels and growth (height, BMI), vitamin D had positive correlation with height (r = 0.148, p < .05), positive correlation with Zinc (r = 0.696, p < 0.001) and zinc levels were significantly associated with IQ, mood, physical indicators, and metabolic markers. Children with zinc deficiency were more likely to show emotional, skin, and immune issues. A total of the 226 patients only 30.5%, had normal vitamin D and zinc levels, only 23.5% had only vitamin D deficiency, 1.3% had only zinc deficiency, 44.7% had both deficiencies.

CONCLUSION

Although there are studies on the relationship between zinc deficiency growth and mental health, as well as between vitamin D growth and mental health, there is no information on the connection between vitamin D and zinc deficiency and their combined effect on child growth and mental development. The analysis of our conducted study clearly demonstrated that there is a correlational relationship between zinc deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, and child growth and development. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D and zinc for optimal physical and mental development in children. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to a child's healthy nutrition and a balanced daily diet in order to provide them with the necessary micro- and macroelements for proper development.