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Zinc and childhood infectious disease morbidity and mortality

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

Robert E. Black  and
Sunil Sazawal
Robert E. Black*
Affiliation:
Department of International Health, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
Sunil Sazawal
Affiliation:
Department of International Health, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
*
*Corresponding author: Dr Robert E. Black, fax +410 955 7159, email [email protected]
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Abstract

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Zinc is an essential mineral and deficiency results in abnormal immune function and higher rates of infectious diseases. Randomized controlled trials of zinc supplementation have been conducted in children in developing countries to determine effects on infectious disease morbidity and mortality. Zinc-supplemented children have been found to have lower rates of diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria in comparison with children not given zinc. Zinc used as an adjunct to fluid and dietary management of acute and persistent diarrhea has been found to reduce diarrheal duration and severity. Preliminary evidence suggests that zinc supplementation in children in poor developing country settings may also reduce infant mortality, but larger trials are needed to address this important issue. Preventive and therapeutic interventions should be implemented in developing countries where zinc deficiency is likely to be prevalent.

Keywords

DiarrheaMalariaMalnutritionPneumoniaZinc
Type
Research Article
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 85 , Issue S2 , May 2001 , pp. S125 - S129
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 2001

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