Zinc supplementation for acute and persistent watery diarrhoea in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Ali AA, Naqvi SK, Hasnain Z, Zubairi MBA, Sharif A, Salam RA, Soofi S, Ariff S, Nisar YB, Das JK
Published in Journal of Global Health
Methodology
WHO-commissioned systematic review and meta-analysis of 38 randomised controlled trials of zinc versus no zinc for acute and persistent diarrhoea in children under 10 years
Key Findings
Zinc increased the proportion of children recovered from acute diarrhoea (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.10, moderate certainty) and reduced diarrhoea duration by 13.27 hours (95% CI -17.66 to -8.89, moderate certainty), but increased vomiting (RR 1.46).
Conclusions
Zinc is an effective adjunct for childhood diarrhoea management with moderate-certainty evidence, at the cost of increased vomiting.
Limitations
Moderate certainty only; substantial heterogeneity; most trials in zinc-deficient low- and middle-income settings.
Supplements Studied
Zinc supplementation resulted in a greater proportion of children who recovered from diarrhoea at last follow-up (RR = 1.07) and a reduction in the duration of diarrhoea (MD = -13.27 hours).
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
World Health Organization
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.