Zinc supplementation for preventing mortality, morbidity, and growth failure in children aged 6 months to 12 years of age
Mayo-Wilson E, Junior JA, Imdad A, Dean S, Chan XH, Chan ES, et al.
Published in Cochrane Database Syst Rev (5), pp. CD009384
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of 80 randomized trials (205,401 children aged 6 months to 12 years) of preventive zinc supplementation versus placebo or no intervention; hospitalized children and children with chronic disease were excluded.
Key Findings
No clear effect on all-cause mortality (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.86-1.05). Zinc reduced all-cause diarrhea incidence (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.85-0.89) but not lower respiratory infection (RR 1.00) or malaria (RR 1.05). Height improved very slightly (SMD -0.09), possibly not clinically important. Vomiting increased (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.14-1.46) and copper status worsened.
Conclusions
Benefits outweigh harms where the risk of zinc deficiency is relatively high.
Limitations
Optimal dose and intervention characteristics remain unclear; hospitalized children and children with chronic disease were excluded, so results may not apply to them.
Supplements Studied
Supplementation reduced diarrhoea morbidity, including the incidence of all-cause diarrhoea
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.