Effect of zinc supplementation on immune and inflammatory responses in pediatric patients with shigellosis

Raqib et al., 2004 | Am J Clin Nutr | Rct

Citation

Raqib Rubhana, Roy Swapan Kumar, ... Andersson Jan. Effect of zinc supplementation on immune and inflammatory responses in pediatric patients with shigellosis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004-Mar;79(3):444-50

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Several studies showed benefits of long-term zinc supplementation on the incidence, severity, and duration of diarrhea and on the incidence of respiratory infections. Prolonged zinc supplementation also improves cell-mediated immunity in severely malnourished children. OBJECTIVE: We studied the effect of short-term zinc supplementation on intrinsic and specific immune and inflammatory responses in moderately malnourished children with acute shigellosis. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Shigella-infected children aged 12-59 mo. Elemental zinc (20 mg) and a multivitamin containing vitamins A and D, thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, and calcium at twice the recommended dietary allowance were given daily for 2 wk to the zinc group (n = 28), whereas the multivitamin alone was given to the control group (n = 28). Standard antibiotic therapy was given to all patients. RESULTS: Serum zinc concentrations increased in both groups during convalescence; however, zinc supplementation showed a significant effect. The lymphocyte proliferation response in the zinc group increased relative to that in the control group (P = 0.002), but no significant effects were seen on concentrations of cytokines (interleukin 2 and interferon gamma) released from mitogen-stimulated mononuclear cells or on concentrations of cytokines (interleukin 2, interferon gamma, and interleukin 1beta) in feces. Among the antigen [lipopolysaccharide and invasion plasmid-encoded antigen (Ipa)]-specific antibodies, plasma Ipa-specific immunoglobulin G responses at day 30 were significantly higher in the zinc group than in the control group. However, the 2 groups did not differ significantly in the other antigen-specific responses in plasma and stool. CONCLUSION: A 14-d course of zinc supplementation during acute shigellosis increases the lymphocyte proliferation response and the Ipa-specific immunoglobulin G response.

Key Findings

Serum zinc concentrations increased in both groups during convalescence; however, zinc supplementation showed a significant effect. The lymphocyte proliferation response in the zinc group increased relative to that in the control group (P = 0.002), but no significant effects were seen on concentrations of cytokines (interleukin 2 and interferon gamma) released from mitogen-stimulated mononuclear cells or on concentrations of cytokines (interleukin 2, interferon gamma, and interleukin 1beta) in f

Outcomes Measured

• inflammatory markers

Population

MeSH Terms

• Acute-Phase Reaction
• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Antibodies, Bacterial
• Bangladesh
• Cells, Cultured
• Child Nutrition Disorders
• Child, Preschool
• Cytokines
• Diarrhea
• Dietary Supplements
• Double-Blind Method
• Dysentery, Bacillary
• Female
• Humans
• Immunity, Cellular
• Infant
• Inflammation
• Lymphocyte Subsets
• Male
• Nutritional Requirements
• Vitamins
• Zinc

Evidence Classification

• Level: Rct
• Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
• Vertical: zinc-immune

Provenance

• PMID: 14985220
• DOI: (not available)
• PMCID: Not in PMC
• Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09