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Short-term supplementation with zinc and vitamin A has no significant effect on the growth of undernourished Bangladeshi children
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Published
2002
Author(s)
Rahman, Mohammad M.
Tofail, Fahmida
Wahed, Mohammad A.
Fuchs, George J.
Baqui, Abdullah H.
Alvarez, Jose O.
Metadata
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Several vitamin A supplementation trials have failed to improve the growth rate in children. Addition of zinc to vitamin A might result in enhanced growth.
OBJECTIVE:
This study evaluated the effect on growth in children of simultaneous supplementation with zinc and vitamin A.
DESIGN:
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial. Six hundred fifty-three children aged 12-35 mo were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 intervention groups: 20 mg Zn/d for 14 d (Z group), 60000 retinol equivalents (200000 IU) vitamin A on day 14 (A group), zinc plus vitamin A (ZA group), or placebo syrup and placebo capsule (placebo group). Weight and length were measured at enrollment and again after 3 and 6 mo.
RESULTS:
Gains in weight and length during the 6-mo follow-up period were not significantly different among the 4 groups by analysis of variance. Catch-up growth also did not differ significantly among the groups. The proportions of children whose weight-for-age z scores did not change or decreased were 57% in the Z group, 46% in the A group, 50% in the ZA group, and 54% in the placebo group (NS). The proportions of children whose length-for-age z scores did not change or decreased were 42% in the Z group, 48% in the A group, 53% in the ZA group, and 46% in the placebo group (NS).
CONCLUSION:
Combined short-term zinc supplementation and a single dose of vitamin A has no significant effects on weight and length increments in children over a 6-mo period
Citation
Am J Clin Nutr 2002 Jan;75(1):87-91