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Dose-response trial of prophylactic zinc supplements, with or without copper, in young Ecuadorian children at risk of zinc deficiency.
- Source :
-
The American journal of clinical nutrition [Am J Clin Nutr] 2008 Mar; Vol. 87 (3), pp. 723-33. - Publication Year :
- 2008
-
Abstract
- Background: Multiple studies have shown the benefits of zinc supplementation among young children in high-risk populations. However, the optimal dose and safe upper level of zinc have not been determined.<br />Objectives: The objectives of this study were to measure the effects of different doses of supplemental zinc on the plasma zinc concentration, morbidity, and growth of young children; to detect any adverse effects of 10 mg supplemental Zn on markers of copper or iron status; and to determine whether any adverse effects are alleviated by providing copper with zinc.<br />Design: This randomized, double-masked, community-based intervention trial was conducted in 631 Ecuadorian children who were 12-30 mo old at baseline and who had initial length-for-age z scores <-1.3. Children received 1 of 5 daily supplements for 6 mo: 3, 7, or 10 mg Zn as zinc sulfate, 10 mg Zn + 0.5 mg Cu as copper sulfate, or placebo.<br />Results: The change in plasma zinc concentration from baseline was positively related to the zinc dose (P < 0.001). Zinc supplementation, including doses as low as 3 mg/d, reduced the incidence of diarrhea by 21-42% (P < 0.01). There were no other significant group-wise differences.<br />Conclusions: Zinc supplementation with a dose as low as 3 mg/d increased plasma zinc concentrations and reduced diarrhea incidence in the study population. There were no observed adverse effects of 10 mg Zn/d on indicators of copper or iron status. The current tolerable upper level of zinc recommended by the Institute of Medicine should be reassessed for young children.
- Subjects :
- Child Development physiology
Child, Preschool
Copper blood
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Double-Blind Method
Ecuador epidemiology
Female
Humans
Infant
Iron blood
Male
Maximum Tolerated Dose
Morbidity
Prevalence
Trace Elements administration & dosage
Trace Elements adverse effects
Trace Elements blood
Treatment Outcome
Zinc adverse effects
Zinc blood
Child Development drug effects
Diarrhea epidemiology
Dietary Supplements
Zinc administration & dosage
Zinc deficiency
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1938-3207
- Volume :
- 87
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The American journal of clinical nutrition
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 18326612
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/87.3.723