The effect of zinc supplementation, provided as either a liquid ZnSO 4 solution or a dispersible tablet, on plasma zinc concentration among young Burkinabé children

Abstract

Preventive zinc (Zn) supplementation reduces morbidity from diarrhea and pneumonia, lowers all-cause mortality, and increases linear growth, weight gain and plasma zinc concentration among young children in populations at risk of zinc deficiency. However, additional information is needed on the efficacy of different formulations of zinc supplements. To investigate the effects of different physical forms of zinc supplements on changes in plasma zinc concentration (pl Zn conc), we conducted a randomized, partially masked, placebo controlled trial among 451 children 6–23 mo in Burkina Faso. Participants received one of three daily supplements for 21 d: 5 mg Zn as zinc sulfate in either a liquid solution (ZnLiq) or a dispersible tablet (ZnTab), or a liquid placebo solution. Mean ± SD change in pl Zn conc (μg/dL) from baseline was significantly greater in both Zn supplemented groups (ZnLiq: 16.6 ± 14.2, ZnTab: 16.9 ± 13.1) compared to the placebo group (0.2 ± 10.9) (p<0.001). In the Zn supplemented groups, but not the placebo group, change in mean pl Zn conc was negatively associated with age (p<0.001). Both forms of Zn supplements were efficacious in increasing pl Zn conc in the study population. Further studies are needed to determine if age dependent differential changes in pl Zn conc are physiological or dose (mg/kg body weight) dependent. Grant Funding Source: Nutriset, S.A.S