Effect of zinc plus multivitamin supplementation on growth in school children

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#adolescent #body-height #body-weight #child #child-development

Effect of zinc plus multivitamin supplementation on growth in school children

Rerksuppaphol et al., 2016 | Pediatr Int | Rct

Citation

Rerksuppaphol Sanguansak, Rerksuppaphol Lakkana. Effect of zinc plus multivitamin supplementation on growth in school children. Pediatr Int. 2016-Nov;58(11):1193-1199. doi:10.1111/ped.13011

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Zinc and multiple vitamins are essential for growth. Zinc and vitamin deficiency is very common in developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of zinc plus multivitamin supplements in improving growth of healthy Thai schoolchildren. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in healthy 4-13-year-old Thai schoolchildren attending public school in central Thailand. Participants were randomized to receive either chelated zinc in the form of zinc bis-glycinate (20 mg elemental zinc) plus multivitamins (vitamin A, 1000 IU; vitamin D, 200 IU; B1, 10 mg; B2, 3 mg; B6, 1 mg; B12, 10 μg; nicotinamide, 40 mg) or placebo once per day, 5 days per week for 6 months. Primary outcome was change in height from baseline to the end of the study. Secondary outcomes were change in weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences and waist-to-height ratio. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. RESULTS: Seventy children each were randomized to the treatment and placebo groups. The children who received zinc and multivitamins had significantly higher gain in height (4.9 ± 1.3 vs 3.6 ± 0.9 cm, respectively; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed significant improvement in height, especially in preadolescents. The increased gain in height was irrespective of baseline height and weight. The extra gain in height occurred after 2 months of supplementation. The changes in other anthropometric indices were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of chelated zinc plus multivitamins for 6 months significantly increased height gain in Thai schoolchildren and was well tolerated.

Key Findings

Seventy children each were randomized to the treatment and placebo groups. The children who received zinc and multivitamins had significantly higher gain in height (4.9 ± 1.3 vs 3.6 ± 0.9 cm, respectively; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed significant improvement in height, especially in preadolescents. The increased gain in height was irrespective of baseline height and weight. The extra gain in height occurred after 2 months of supplementation. The changes in other anthropometric indices we

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population healthy thai
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Height
  • Body Weight
  • Child
  • Child Development
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Reference Values
  • Schools
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Thailand
  • Vitamins
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: zinc-growth

Provenance

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