Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Anthropometric Parameters of Male School Children

Abstract

Introduction: Zinc has a key role in reproductive physiology, immune modulation, growth, and development. To determine the effect of zinc supplements on the anthropometry of healthy 6-yearold children.Methods: In this double-blind placebo-controlled trial was carried out on 40 children 6-7 years old. The intervention group (n=20) received 20mg of oral zinc sulfate syrup and the control group (n=20) received a placebo daily in the same buttle and same test for 6 months duration of study. Serum zinc levels and anthropometric measurements (weight, height, head circumference, and arm circumference) were measured before and after intervention. Zinc deficiency was defined as serum zinc level < 9.9 μmol/l.Results: Serum zinc level did not differ between the two groups (P=0.86). Zinc supplementation resulted in a significant increase in height (P= 0.008).Conclusion: This study showed that zinc supplements have a significant increase in the length of male 6-year-old children.

Keywords

• children
• zinc and growth