Abstract
Iron and zinc are essential nutrients for growth and development in children. Iron deficient anemia is the most widespread and common nutritional disorder. A deficiency of iron results in fatigue, poor work performance, decreased immunity and possible irreversible effects on the early cognitive development. Oral administration of ferrous salts (most often ferrous sulfate) provides inexpensive and effective therapy. On the other hand, because of low nutritional requirements and plentiful supply, deficiencies of zinc are rare. Children may have apparently asymptomatic deficiencies of zinc, but still benefit from supplementation. Zinc is a crucial micronutrient because it affects various immune mechanisms and modulates host resistance to several pathogens. Zinc supplementation of at-risk children reduces the incidence and severity of diarrhea, pneumonia, and possibly common cold. Early identification of risk factors and nutritional intervention with sufficient iron and zinc supply is much more important than therapeutic supplementation. (Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2012; 15(Suppl 1): S7∼S16)
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