Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
09:36

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers

Published on: July 28, 2022

Effect of oral zinc supplementation on the growth of preterm infants

M N Islam1, M A K A Chowdhury, M Siddika

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. mnislamdr1@yahoo.com

Indian Pediatrics
|March 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Oral zinc supplementation significantly improved growth in preterm infants. This study found enhanced weight gain and length in the early months of life for low birth weight babies receiving zinc.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Neonatal Physiology
  • Micronutrient Metabolism

Background:

  • Preterm infants are at risk for zinc deficiency due to limited stores and increased needs.
  • Suboptimal growth and increased morbidity are common challenges in preterm infant care.
  • Early nutritional interventions are crucial for improving outcomes in premature neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of oral zinc supplementation on the growth parameters of preterm infants.
  • To compare weight gain and linear growth in preterm infants receiving zinc versus those not receiving zinc.
  • To assess the effect of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and hemoglobin levels in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 appropriate-for-date preterm infants (1000-2500 g).
  • Infants were randomized to receive either zinc and multivitamin supplements or multivitamin supplements alone for 6 weeks.
  • Primary outcome variables included weight and length increments.

Main Results:

  • Serum zinc and hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in the zinc-supplemented group post-intervention (P<0.05).
  • Significant differences in weight gain and length increment were observed between groups during follow-ups.
  • Reduced morbidity was noted in the zinc-supplemented group without serious adverse effects.

Conclusions:

  • Oral zinc supplementation is effective in enhancing early growth in preterm low birth weight infants.
  • Zinc supplementation positively influences key growth indicators and potentially reduces morbidity in preterm neonates.
  • This intervention shows promise for improving the nutritional status and growth trajectory of preterm infants.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children from...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...