Best zinc tablets
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Best Zinc Tablets for Children: A Comprehensive Review
Zinc Supplementation and Plasma Zinc Concentration
Short-term Zinc Supplementation
Research conducted in Burkina Faso demonstrated that short-term zinc supplementation, whether provided as dispersible tablets or zinc sulfate solution, significantly increased plasma zinc concentrations in young children. Both forms of supplementation were equally effective, showing a substantial rise in plasma zinc levels compared to a placebo group. This suggests that dispersible zinc tablets are a viable option for increasing zinc levels in children.
Zinc Tablets for Diarrhea Treatment
Efficacy in Diarrhea Management
The World Health Organization recommends zinc treatment as part of the management of acute childhood diarrhea. A study assessing the acceptability and adherence to dispersible zinc tablets found that the formulation was well-received by children, with 90.1% of caretakers reporting it as acceptable. However, adherence to the full 10-day course was only 55.8%, indicating a need for strategies to improve compliance. This highlights the importance of not only the efficacy but also the acceptability and adherence to zinc tablets in real-world settings.
Zinc Supplementation and Growth
Impact on Physical Growth
Several studies have explored the impact of zinc supplementation on the growth of young children. A study in Bangladesh evaluated different doses and forms of zinc supplementation and found that while there were no significant differences in the incidence of diarrhea, the daily high-zinc, low-iron micronutrient powder showed modest improvements in linear growth. Similarly, another study in rural Laos found that preventive zinc supplementation improved zinc status but did not significantly impact growth or anemia. These findings suggest that while zinc tablets can improve zinc status, their effect on growth may be limited and context-dependent.
Zinc and Immune Function
Immune Response to Zinc Supplementation
Research on the immune effects of zinc supplementation has shown mixed results. A study in Laotian children found that daily preventive zinc tablets decreased lymphocyte and eosinophil concentrations, indicating some impact on immune cell profiles. However, another study in Bangladeshi children found no significant effect of zinc supplementation on peripheral blood gene expression or cytokine levels. These results suggest that while zinc supplementation can influence certain immune parameters, its overall impact on immune function requires further investigation.
Conclusion
In summary, dispersible zinc tablets are effective in increasing plasma zinc concentrations and are well-accepted by children, making them a practical option for zinc supplementation. While they show promise in managing acute diarrhea and improving zinc status, their impact on growth and immune function may vary. Further research and strategies to enhance adherence are essential to maximize the benefits of zinc supplementation in children.
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