Zinc and childhood infectious disease morbidity and mortality

Zinc is an essential mineral and deficiency results in abnormal immune func tion and higher rates of infectious diseases. Randomized controlled trials of zinc supplementation have been conducted in children in developing count ries to determine effects on infectious disease morbidity and mortality. Zi nc-supplemented children have been found to have lower rates of diarrhea, p neumonia and malaria in comparison with children not given zinc. Zinc used as an adjunct to fluid and dietary management of acute and persistent diarr hea has been found to reduce diarrheal duration and severity. Preliminary e vidence suggests that zinc supplementation in children in poor developing c ountry settings may also reduce infant mortality, but larger trials are nee ded to address this important issue. Preventive and therapeutic interventio ns should be implemented in developing countries where zinc deficiency is l ikely to be prevalent.