Correlation of zinc intake with hair zinc levels and appetite in children aged 2-3 years in Jakarta

Background: Children under five years experience rapid growth and development, so that adequate nutritional intake is very important. Zinc is essential for child development and growth. Children’s zinc requirements are fulfilled from daily food intake that might be affected by Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between zinc intake with hair zinc level and appetite in children aged 2-3 years in Jakarta. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from September to October 2020 in Kampung Melayu, Jakarta. Seventy children aged 2-3 years were taken using total population sampling method. Interviews were conducted to obtain characteristic data and zinc intake using semi quantitative-food frequency questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). Appetite were assessed using VAS appetite questionnaire. Hair samples were collected to check level of hair zinc. Spearman correlation was performed using SPSS. Results: Median of zinc intake was 6 (1,2-22,5) mg/day, with 20% of the subjects had insufficient zinc intake. The median hair zinc value was 132 (30-451) µg/g, with 17,1% subjects zinc insufficient. The median of VAS appetite score was 54,5 mm. There were no significant correlation between zinc intake and hair zinc level (r = -0.077, p = 0.528). A weak positive correlation was found between appetite and hair zinc levels (r = 0,247, p = 0,039). Conclusion: Zinc intake in children aged 2-3 years had no significant correlation with hair zinc level, and appetite had a weak positive correlation with hair zinc level.