Zinc Deficiency and Therapeutic Value of Zinc Supplementation in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Diseases

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#adult #child #humans #zinc #celiac-disease

Zinc Deficiency and Therapeutic Value of Zinc Supplementation in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Diseases

Chao et al., 2023 | Nutrients | Systematic Review

Citation

Chao Hsun-Chin. Zinc Deficiency and Therapeutic Value of Zinc Supplementation in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Diseases. Nutrients. 2023-Sep-22;15(19). doi:10.3390/nu15194093

Abstract

The benefits of zinc in treating certain gastrointestinal (GI) diseases have been recognized for over two decades. This review aims to explore zinc deficiency (ZD) and the potential therapeutic value and safety of zinc supplementation in pediatric GI diseases. A systematic review of published articles on ZD and zinc as adjuvant treatments for GI diseases was conducted using various databases. Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and those receiving long-term proton pump inhibitor treatments are particularly susceptible to ZD. ZD in children with celiac disease and IBD is attributed to insufficient intake, reduced absorption, and increased intestinal loss as a result of the inflammatory process. Zinc plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the gastric mucosa and exerts a gastroprotective action against gastric lesions. Although considerable evidence supports the use of zinc as adjuvant therapy for certain GI diseases in adults, its use is unspecified in children except for infectious diarrhea. Current evidence suggests that zinc supplementation with well-documented dosages helps reduce the duration of diarrhea in children with acute or persistent diarrhea, while there are no specific guidelines for zinc supplementation in children with IBD and celiac disease. Zinc supplementation appears to be beneficial in peptic ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease. The available evidence highlights the need for intervention programs to enhance zinc status and reduce the morbidity of certain GI diseases in children.

Key Findings

The available evidence highlights the need for intervention programs to enhance zinc status and reduce the morbidity of certain GI diseases in children.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Zinc
  • Celiac Disease
  • Diarrhea
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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