Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
13:04

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells

Published on: May 16, 2019

Therapeutic zinc and copper supplementation in acute diarrhea does not influence short-term morbidity and growth:

Archana B Patel1, Michael J Dibley, Manju Mamtani

  • 1Lata Medical Research Foundation, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur, India.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|August 29, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Zinc and copper supplementation did not significantly improve outcomes for children with acute diarrhea. This 12-week study found no short-term benefits, suggesting therapeutic mineral supplementation may not always be effective.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Acute diarrhea is a major cause of childhood morbidity globally.
  • Zinc supplementation is recommended by WHO for diarrhea treatment, but its efficacy is debated.
  • The role of combined zinc and copper supplementation is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of zinc and copper supplementation on morbidity and growth in children with acute diarrhea.
  • To assess short-term benefits of therapeutic mineral supplementation in pediatric diarrhea.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted.
  • 724 children aged 6-59 months with acute diarrhea were enrolled.
  • Outcomes including morbidity and growth were monitored over 12 weeks.

Main Results:

  • No significant association was found between zinc supplementation and any of the 11 evaluated outcomes.
  • Combined zinc and copper supplementation also showed no significant effect on morbidity or growth.
  • The study did not demonstrate short-term benefits of therapeutic zinc or zinc and copper supplementation.

Conclusions:

  • Therapeutic zinc supplementation may not consistently provide short-term benefits in children with acute diarrhea.
  • Combined zinc and copper supplementation did not show a significant advantage over zinc alone in this cohort.
  • Further research may be needed to identify specific contexts or populations where these supplements are beneficial.

More Related Videos

Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease03:25

Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: December 27, 2024

Ex Vivo Intestinal Sacs to Assess Mucosal Permeability in Models of Gastrointestinal Disease06:04

Ex Vivo Intestinal Sacs to Assess Mucosal Permeability in Models of Gastrointestinal Disease

Published on: February 9, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents01:18

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents

Acute diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disturbance, is characterized by the rapid evacuation of fluid stools, leading to an excessive weight in fluid. This condition typically arises from disorders affecting intestinal water and electrolyte transport. It can be triggered by an increased osmotic load within the intestine, excessive secretion of electrolytes and water, mucosal exudation of protein and fluid, or altered intestinal motility. The primary risks of acute diarrhea are dehydration...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents

Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...