EFFECTS OF REPLETION WITH ZINC AND OTHER MICRONUTRIENTS ON NEUROPSYCHOLOGIC PERFORMANCE AND GROWTH OF CHINESE CHILDREN

The knowledge that zinc is essential for growth and neuropsychologic p erformance and a report of zinc-responsive stunting in Chinese childre n prompted this project. This article summarizes findings from a IO-wk , double-blind, controlled trial of zinc repletion in 740 urban, 6-9-y -old first graders from low-income families in Chongqing, Qingdao, and Shanghai, People's Republic of China. Treatments were 20 mg Zn alone (Z), 20 mg Zn with micronutrients (ZM), and micronutrients alone (M). The M mixture was based on National Research Council guidelines. Nutri ents that might interfere with zinc retention were excluded or given i n lower amounts. Main outcomes were changes in neuropsychologic perfor mance and knee height. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, plasma and hair zin c, and whole blood and hair lead were also measured. Anemia was not co mmon, and serum ferritin concentrations were usually within the range of normal. Mean baseline plasma zinc concentrations were marginal in c hildren from Chongqing and Qingdao and normal in children from Shangha i. After treatment with ZM or M plasma zinc increased. Hair zinc tende d to decrease after all treatments. Mean baseline whole blood lead con centrations were slightly below the limit considered excessive for chi ldren by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. neuropsych ologic performance and growth were most improved after treatment with ZM. These findings were consistent with the presence of zinc and other micronutrient deficiencies.