Zinc Supplementation and Growth

Zinc Supplementation and Growth

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to further determine the effects of zinc supplementation on the growth of infants and young children, as well as maternal supplementation.

Methods: 2 of 12 studies completed showed significant weight increases and 1 showed positive height increases in control group consuming zinc supplements. Two studies simultaneously showed that the affects of zinc were not seen when supplemented with iron.

Conclusions: Zinc did not induce growth or weight gain on healthy, non zinc deficient, non stunted subjects. It did, however, provide positive affects on health and weight to people who did not meet current health standards. There were conflicting results from studies done on maternal supplementation.

Comments: This furthers the notion that zinc supplementation should be closely monitored, especially during periods of significant growth and development including pregnancy, infancy and young childhood. Zinc can have significant positive or negative effects, which are seriously influenced by dosage.

Ruz, M. (2006). Zinc supplementation and growth.Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 9(6), 757-762. doi: 10.1097/01.mco.0000247479.87402.5b