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Zinc supplementation in children with acute diarrhoea

I B Fajolu1, A Emokpae, A O Oduwole

  • 1Department of Paediatrics College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Zinc supplementation significantly improved weight gain in Nigerian children with acute diarrhea. This study indicates zinc is beneficial for treating diarrhea in this age group, with no reported adverse effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of mortality in Nigerian children under five.
  • Acute diarrhea poses a significant health burden in developing countries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of zinc supplementation in managing acute diarrhea in children aged 6-24 months.
  • To assess the impact of zinc on plasma zinc levels and clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A multi-centered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted.
  • Participants were allocated to either a zinc-supplemented or placebo group.
  • Plasma zinc levels were measured, and children were monitored for three months.

Main Results:

  • While plasma zinc levels did not differ significantly between groups, the zinc-supplemented group showed greater average weight gain (1.1 kg vs. 0.73 kg).
  • The observed difference in weight gain was statistically significant (p = 0.00).
  • No adverse effects were associated with zinc supplementation.

Conclusions:

  • Zinc supplementation demonstrates a beneficial effect in children experiencing acute diarrhea.
  • The study supports the use of zinc as an effective intervention for acute diarrhea, particularly regarding nutritional recovery.
Abstract

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