Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency and the Effect of Zinc Supplementation on the Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infections

OBJECTIVE: Acute lower respiratory infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Recent randomized trials of zinc supplementation for the prevention of acute lower respiratory tract infections have revealed discrepant findings. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of zinc deficiency and the effect of zinc supplementation on respiratory infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single center, prospective open-label interventional single-arm pre-post study of the effect of oral zinc supplementation in zinc deficient children aged 6 months to 5 years was done. A total of 465 healthy children of age 6 months to 5 years were enrolled in the study for estimation of the prevalence of zinc deficiency. Children having zinc deficiency were recruited to study the efficacy and safety of oral administration of 20 mg zinc for two weeks during a 6-month follow-up period. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the zinc deficient and non-deficient groups according to modified Kuppuswamy categorization of family status and exclusive breast feeding. There was significant difference in the mid arm circumference between the zinc deficient and non-deficient groups (p