Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study on the Role of Zinc in Low Birth Weight Neonates

Abstract

Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the important causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity in developing countries. It is hypothesized that LBW neonates are zinc deficient and that might adversely affect postnatal growth. The objective of the investigation was to compare the effect of oral zinc supplementation on growth of low birth weight neonates by randomized controlled trail. 100 LBW neonates between 1501-2499 gm were randomized into zinc and placebo groups. We supplemented zinc 10 mg/day to zinc group and multivitamin drops to placebo group for 28 days. Measure the weight and length according to study schedule. Primary outcome was increment in weight and length and data were analyzed by SPSS. The mean birth weight was 1850 ± 302 gm and 1813 ± 271 gm for zinc and placebo groups, respectively. After 28 days 2595 ± 503 gm with mean weight gain of 26 ± 11 gm/day in zinc group and 2322 ± 472 gm with mean weight gain of 18 ± 9.4 gm/day in placebo group, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There was significant length gain (p < 0.001) in zinc group compare to placebo group. Zinc group experienced remarkably less problems like sepsis, duration of hospital stay and jaundice. There were no adverse effects noted in zinc group. Zinc supplementation for LBW neonates was found effective to enhance growth in neonatal period.