Summary
This randomised controlled trial of 120 infants aged 6–14 months found that two weeks of prophylactic zinc supplementation (20 mg/5 mL zinc sulphate) produced a non-significant 8% reduction in overall ARI episode frequency compared to placebo, but demonstrated a 60% reduction in acute lower respiratory tract infection episodes and a significant 14% reduction in days spent with acute respiratory symptoms. The findings suggest zinc may reduce morbidity and hospitalisation burden in apparently healthy infants, though the effect on preventing upper respiratory episodes was modest.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in Pakistan under tropical/subtropical conditions with a population differing in nutritional baseline and disease epidemiology from the United Kingdom. Applicability to UK clinical practice is limited, as UK infants generally have better baseline micronutrient status and lower underlying ARI burden; however, the findings may inform clinical practice for at-risk or micronutrient-deficient infant populations globally.
Key measures
Incidence rate ratio (IRR) for ARI episodes (adjusted and unadjusted); episodes per child year; proportion of days with acute respiratory symptoms; hospitalisation rate; recovery time
Outcomes reported
The study measured the frequency of acute respiratory infection (ARI) episodes, episodes per child year, severity (days of infection), and hospitalisation rates in infants aged 6–14 months receiving zinc supplementation versus placebo. Secondary outcomes included recovery time and morbidity from lower respiratory tract infections.
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