Is there RCT evidence to support the use of zinc supplementation in children for preventing mortality, morbidity, and growth failure?

Summary

This Cochrane systematic review examined the strength of randomised controlled trial evidence supporting zinc supplementation as an intervention to prevent mortality, morbidity and growth failure in children. The work synthesises the collective evidence base to inform clinical decision-making on zinc supplementation in paediatric populations, likely stratified by setting, age group or baseline nutritional status.

Regional applicability

Findings are globally relevant but applicability to United Kingdom paediatric practice depends on UK baseline zinc status and current supplementation guidance from NHS and NICE. UK children typically have adequate zinc intake from fortified foods and diverse diets, so implications may be context-specific to resource-constrained settings.

Key measures

Mortality risk, morbidity rates, growth failure incidence, and other child health outcomes in supplemented versus unsupplemented cohorts

Outcomes reported

The study likely synthesised randomised controlled trial evidence on zinc supplementation outcomes in children, including mortality, morbidity (disease burden) and growth metrics.

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