The Effect of zinc supplementation in treatment of acute diarrhea in children

Zinc supplementation in diarrhea

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effect of zinc supplementation on the duration of diarrhea and stool frequency in acute diarrhea in children with two doses of zinc supplements (10mg zinc versus 20mg zinc). 

Methods: The study was prospective, interventional type. Sample size comprised of 130 children, randomly allocated to two groups: 10 mg of zinc (65 participants) and 20 mg of zinc (65 participants). A validated collection form was used to record data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. A T-test was applied to assess significant differences between the two groups.

Results: There were 74 participants (57%) who presented from an inpatient department whereas 56 participants (43%) presented in an outpatient setting. The mean duration of diarrhea in the 10 mg zinc supplementation group was more but the difference was not significant (2.55±1.23 vs. 2.52±1.28 days; p>0.05). .The mean number of stools per day was more for the 10 mg zinc supplementation group (1.56±0.66 vs.1.39±0.61; p>0.05). 

Conclusion: A lower dose of zinc (10 mg) can be used for control of symptoms because a higher dose did not lead to better control of symptoms. 

Key-words: acute diarrhea; children; zinc supplementation; duration; frequency of stools