Substantial Reduction in Severe Diarrheal Morbidity by Daily Zinc Supplementation in Young North Indian Children

Abstract

Zinc supplementation substantially reduced the incidence of severe and prolonged diarrhea, the 2 important determinants of diarrhea-related mortality and malnutrition. This intervention also substantially reduced the proportion of children who experienced recurrent diarrhea. Prompt measures to improve zinc status of deficient populations are warranted. The potential approaches to achieve this goal include food fortification, dietary diversification, cultivation of plants that are zinc dense or have a decreased concentration of zinc absorption inhibitors, and supplementation of selected groups of children. Future studies should assess the impact of increased zinc intakes on childhood mortality in developing countries. For facilitating intervention, there is a need to obtain reliable estimates of zinc deficiency, particularly in developing countries. The functional consequences of the effect of various doses of zinc on plasma copper levels merits additional study.