Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Professor of Pediatrics Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine Neonatal Research Center Imam Reza Hospital Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

2 Neonatologist, Assistant professor, Neonatal Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad, University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Neonatologist, Associated professor, Neonatal Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad, University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

4 Neonatal Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

5 Metabolic Syndrome Research Center. Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

6 Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences Faculty, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

7 Medical student of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Zinc has a key role in reproductive physiology, immune modulation, growth, and development. To determine the effect of zinc supplements on the anthropometry of healthy 6-yearold children.
Methods: In this double-blind placebo-controlled trial was carried out on 40 children 6-7 years old. The intervention group (n=20) received 20mg of oral zinc sulfate syrup and the control group (n=20) received a placebo daily in the same buttle and same test for 6 months duration of study. Serum zinc levels and anthropometric measurements (weight, height, head circumference, and arm circumference) were measured before and after intervention. Zinc deficiency was defined as serum zinc level < 9.9 μmol/l.
Results: Serum zinc level did not differ between the two groups (P=0.86). Zinc supplementation resulted in a significant increase in height (P= 0.008).
Conclusion: This study showed that zinc supplements have a significant increase in the length of male 6-year-old children.

Keywords

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