Comparison of the effects of zinc delivered in a fortified food or a liquid supplement on the growth, morbidity, and plasma zinc concentrations of young Peruvian children

Abstract

Background: Zinc supplementation decreases morbidity from infections and increases growth of stunted children, but there is little information on functional responses to zinc delivered in fortified foods. Objective: The aim was to examine the effects of zinc fortification on the growth, morbidity from infections, and plasma zinc concentrations of young children. Design: We compared the physical growth, morbidity, and micronutrient status of 6-8-mo-old Peruvian children with initial length-for-age z score (LAZ) < 0.001 for group-wise comparison). Conclusions: Provision of additional zinc, either in an aqueous supplement or a fortified porridge, did not significantly affect the children's physical growth or morbidity from infections, possibly because they were not sufficiently growth-restricted or zinc-deficient initially or because the level of zinc intake or absorption was inadequate. Additional studies of the functional effect of zinc-fortified foods are needed in populations that are known to respond to zinc supplements. © 2007 American Society for Nutrition.