Abstract

To assess zinc absorption from dispersible tablets by investigating the effects of short-term zinc supplementation, provided either as zinc (Zn) sulfate dispersible tablets or solution, on changes in plasma Zn concentration in young children. We conducted a randomized, partially-masked, placebo-controlled trial in 451 children 6 to 23 months of age in Burkina Faso, randomly assigned to receive a dispersible tablet containing 5 mg Zn, a Zn solution containing 5 mg Zn/5 mL, or a placebo solution, daily for 3 weeks. The main outcome measure was change in plasma zinc concentration after supplementation compared with baseline. The mean plus or minus SD change in plasma Zn concentration (μg/dL) was significantly greater in both Zn supplemented groups (tablets: 16.9±13.1μg/dL, liquid: 16.6±14.2 μg/dL), compared with the placebo group (0.2±10.9 μg/dL; P<.001, ANOVA). In both Zn supplemented groups, but not in the placebo group, change in plasma Zn concentration was progressively less with increasing age in months (-0.79 μg/dL/mo and -1.15 μg/dL/mo, respectively; P<.001); this effect did not differ in the Zn supplemented groups (P=.18). Short-term supplementation results in a large increase in plasma Zn concentration, regardless of whether the additional Zn is provided as a dispersible tablet or solution.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.