Impact of Zinc BioFortified Wheat Flour on the Serum Levels of Interleukin-2,Interleukin-12, and Interferon Gamma in Adolescent Girls, A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Objective: To know the Impact of Zinc BioFortified Wheat Flour on the Serum Levels of Interleukin-2, Interleukin 12, and Interferon Gamma in Adolescent Girls. 
Study Design: Case-control study 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar from January 2023 to January 2024. 
Methods: In this case-control study, adolescent girls aged 10–16 years were divided into two equal groups. The control group received regular flour, while the intervention group consumed zinc-biofortified flour. Blood samples were collected before and after a six-month period to evaluate serum levels of zinc and inflammatory markers (IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ), measured via ELISA. 
Results: There was no statistically significant change in serum zinc or inflammatory biomarkers between groups after six months. However, a mild increase in IFN-γ levels was observed within the intervention group. 
Conclusion: Zinc-biofortified wheat flour had limited impact on serum zinc and inflammatory markers over six months. Extended use may be required to yield measurable health benefits.