IMMUNE-BOOSTING EFFECT OF VITAMIN C IN COMBINATION WITH ZINC AGAINST PEDIATRIC PNEUMONIA: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
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Keywords
Immunoglobulins, Pediatric Pneumonia, Vitamin C, Zinc.
Abstract
Lower respiratory tract infections are a major cause of illness and hospitalization in children under 5 years old. It is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and is spread through contact with an infected person or their respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, rapid breathing, chills, cough, wheezing, fast heart rate, poor appetite, and fatigue. This study aims to evaluate the Immune-boosting effect of Vitamin C and Zinc against pediatric pneumonia. A randomized control trial was done on 40 patients between 2 years and 5 years of age with a diagnosis of pneumonia who were enrolled at Raiwind RHC (rural health center). The control, group being studied included 20 children who had pneumonia and were receiving medication for it. The experimental group contains 20 children on medications and given Vitamin C (125mg) and Zinc (20mg). Pre-testing of all participants was done and immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM) were studied. Post-testing of all participants was done at the end of these interventions. The results show that vitamin C and zinc have significant (<0.05) effects against IgG, IgA, and IgM in pediatric pneumonia. Both combined have health-beneficial effects against immunity in pneumonia.
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Eman Shakeel
Riphah International University, Pakistan
Muhammad Imran Hussain
Riphah International University, Pakistan
Gull Noor Khan
Riphah International University, Pakistan
Hina Mushtaq
Riphah International University, Pakistan
Moha Akram Khan
Rashid Latif Khan University
Mishal Tahir
Lahore college for women University, Pakistan
Tasbiha Irfan
Riphah International University, Pakistan
Maria Shahid
University of Management and Technology, Pakistan
Jannat Gull Khan
Riphah International University, Pakistan
Sobia Ikram Sheikh
University of Lahore, Pakistan
Tayyaba Fatima
Riphah International University, Pakistan
Ramisha ibtisam
Riphah International University, Pakistan
Amama sadia
Riphah International University, Pakistan