Zinc and micronutrient repletion of children

Three studies measured effects of zinc repletion on growth and cognition of 6-9 year-old children. The first two involved urban and rural low-income C hinese children. The third was done on low income Mexican-Americans. Zinc r epletion, given with other potentially limiting micronutrients for 10 weeks improved growth and cognition. The third study also measured immune functi ons. Zinc given with micronutrients increased IL-2 production and decreased IL-10 production by cultured peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocytes foll owing phytohemaglutinin stimulation. Micronutrients alone had no apparent e ffect.