The role of selenium and zinc in allergic hypersensitization in children

The prevalence of allergy has increased rapidly over recent years, especially among pediatric patients and it is detected approximately in 2–3% of the world population. Worldwide, respiratory allergic diseases affect nearly 700 million subjects. The pathogenesis of allergy is still poorly understood and is a matter of worldwide concern. It is thought that it results from the interactions between genetic predisposition and excessive and inappropriate immune responses to a large spectrum of environmental risk factors. Recent clinical observations and epidemiological studies have identified associations between nutritional elements (e.g., zinc, and selenium) and allergy prevalence. It is suggested that micronutrients influence the immune system and may play a major role in the development of asthma and in the progression of other allergic diseases. This link is based on the hypothesized benefits of antioxidant functions of certain micronutrients, which may modulate the amount of oxidants in the body. As a result, decrease in oxidative stress may be an important factor in the etiology of childhood asthma. Our aim was to analyze the current literature and to assess whether trace elements level is a risk factor for allergic symptoms in childhood. In this review article, we aimed to describe the properties and biological importance and to define the possible relationship between atopic sensitization and serum levels of zinc and selenium in children.