Zinc supplementation and growth

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To analyse information about the effects of zinc supplementation on the growth of infants and children, and also the effects of maternal supplementation. RECENT FINDINGS: Two (of 12) studies have recently reported significant weight increments in the zinc supplemented group, and only one study found positive effects on height. One study providing multimicronutrients, including zinc, also showed positive effects on weight. In the majority of studies, zinc supplementation lasted for 6-7 months. Two studies found that the significant positive effects of zinc on growth is not seen if zinc is provided combined with iron. SUMMARY: Supplemental zinc provided to healthy non-zinc-deficient, non-stunted individuals does not induce growth effects. Additional zinc provided to nutritionally less privileged children over a substantial period of time produced beneficial effects on height or weight in some, but not all, studies. The magnitude of the effects depends on several factors beyond the initial anthropometric and zinc status condition, which are not fully known. Growth is a complex process in which several nutritional and non-nutritional factors play roles and interact, and the extent and consequences of such interactions are still not completely understood. Maternal zinc supplementation yielded conflicting results on intrauterine growth effects.