Effect of enteral zinc supplementation on growth and neurodevelopment of preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#dietary-supplements #humans #infant #infant-newborn #infant-premature

Effect of enteral zinc supplementation on growth and neurodevelopment of preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Alshaikh et al., 2022 | J Perinatol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Alshaikh Belal, Abo Zeed Moaaz, ... Fenton Tanis. Effect of enteral zinc supplementation on growth and neurodevelopment of preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Perinatol. 2022-Apr;42(4):430-439. doi:10.1038/s41372-021-01094-7

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effect of enteral zinc supplementation on growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) examining growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes after zinc supplementation in preterm infants. RESULTS: Of eight RCTs involving 742 infants included, seven reported growth anthropometrics at 3-6 months corrected age (CA) and two reported neurodevelopmental outcomes at 6-12 months CA. Zinc supplementation was associated with increased weight z-score (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.50; 95% CI 0.23-0.76, heterogeneity I2 = 89.1%; P < 0.01), length z-score (WMD = 1.12; 95% CI 0.63-1.61, heterogeneity I2 = 96.0%; P < 0.01) and motor developmental score (WMD = 9.54; 95% CI 6.6-12.4 heterogeneity I2 = 0%; P = 0.52). There was no effect on head circumference and total developmental score. Evidence is "moderate" certainty for weight and length and "very low" certainty for neurodevelopment. CONCLUSION: Zinc supplementation may enhance weight gain and linear growth in preterm infants. There is a lack of data about relationship between zinc supplementation and neurodevelopment.

Key Findings

Of eight RCTs involving 742 infants included, seven reported growth anthropometrics at 3-6 months corrected age (CA) and two reported neurodevelopmental outcomes at 6-12 months CA. Zinc supplementation was associated with increased weight z-score (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.50; 95% CI 0.23-0.76, heterogeneity I2 = 89.1%; P < 0.01), length z-score (WMD = 1.12; 95% CI 0.63-1.61, heterogeneity I2 = 96.0%; P < 0.01) and motor developmental score (WMD = 9.54; 95% CI 6.6-12.4 heterogeneity I2 

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Weight Gain
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: zinc

Provenance

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