Zinc supplementation for treating diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#child-preschool #diarrhea #diarrhea-infantile #dietary-supplements #humans

Zinc supplementation for treating diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Galvao et al., 2013 | Rev Panam Salud Publica | Meta Analysis

Citation

Galvao Tais Freire, Thees Maria Fernanda Reis e Silva, ... Pereira Mauricio Gomes. Zinc supplementation for treating diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2013-May;33(5):370-7

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To update the available evidence about zinc use for treating diarrhea in children and to assess its effect on the malnourished population, a subgroup that has not been fully explored in previous analyses. METHODS: A systematic review was performed of randomized clinical trials that assessed children up to 5 years old with acute diarrhea who received zinc supplementation. Controls received a placebo or oral rehydration therapy. After searching the main databases, without language restrictions, two independent reviewers selected eligible studies, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analyses were calculated using Mantel-Haenszel or inverse variance random effects. RESULTS: Eighteen of 1 041 studies retrieved were included in the review (n = 7 314 children). Zinc was beneficial for reducing the duration of diarrhea in hours (mean difference [MD] = -20.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -29.15 to -11.09, I² = 91%). The effect was greater in malnourished children (MD = -33.17, 95% CI = -33.55 to -27.79, I² = 0%). Diarrhea prevalence on days 3, 5, and 7 was lower in the zinc group. The incidence of vomiting was significantly greater in the group that received zinc than in the control group. Included randomized controlled trials were of low risk of bias in most domains assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Oral zinc supplementation significantly decreases diarrhea duration and has a greater effect on malnourished children. Zinc supplementation seems to be an appropriate public health strategy, mainly in areas of endemic deficiencies.

Key Findings

Eighteen of 1 041 studies retrieved were included in the review (n = 7 314 children). Zinc was beneficial for reducing the duration of diarrhea in hours (mean difference [MD] = -20.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -29.15 to -11.09, I² = 91%). The effect was greater in malnourished children (MD = -33.17, 95% CI = -33.55 to -27.79, I² = 0%). Diarrhea prevalence on days 3, 5, and 7 was lower in the zinc group. The incidence of vomiting was significantly greater in the group that received zinc tha

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 7
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Diarrhea
  • Diarrhea, Infantile
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: zinc

Provenance

  • PMID: 23764669
  • 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