The relationship between zinc intake and growth in children aged 1-8 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#body-height #body-weight #child #deficiency-diseases #dietary-supplements

The relationship between zinc intake and growth in children aged 1-8 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Stammers et al., 2015 | Eur J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Stammers A L, Lowe N M, ... Moran V H. The relationship between zinc intake and growth in children aged 1-8 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015-Feb;69(2):147-53. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2014.204

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: It is estimated that zinc deficiency affects 17% of the world's population, and because of periods of rapid growth children are at an increased risk of deficiency, which may lead to stunting. This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assess zinc intake and growth in children aged 1-8 years. This review is part of a larger systematic review by the European Micronutrient Recommendations Aligned Network of Excellence that aims to harmonise the approach to setting micronutrient requirements for optimal health in European populations (www.eurreca.org). SUBJECT/METHODS: Searches were performed of literature published up to and including December 2013 using MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases. Included studies were RCTs in apparently healthy child populations aged from 1 to 8 years that supplied zinc supplements either as capsules or as part of a fortified meal. Pooled meta-analyses were performed when appropriate. RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. We found no significant effect of zinc supplementation of between 2 weeks and 12 months duration on weight gain, height for age, weight for age, length for age, weight for height (WHZ) or WHZ scores in children aged 1-8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Many of the children in the included studies were already stunted and may have been suffering from multiple micronutrient deficiencies, and therefore zinc supplementation alone may have only a limited effect on growth.

Key Findings

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. We found no significant effect of zinc supplementation of between 2 weeks and 12 months duration on weight gain, height for age, weight for age, length for age, weight for height (WHZ) or WHZ scores in children aged 1-8 years.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range aged 1-8
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Body Height
  • Body Weight
  • Child
  • Deficiency Diseases
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Europe
  • Growth
  • Growth Disorders
  • Humans
  • Trace Elements
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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