Zinc supplementation may recover taste for salt meals

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of zinc on the appetite for salt foods in children aged 8 months to 5 years. Method: Double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Two groups of 20 children refusing to eat salt foods were followed during 6 months. The children in the first group received zinc chelate 1 mg/kg daily for 3 months. The second group received a placebo solution. The two groups were similar in terms of age, sex, weight, duration of breastfeeding, age at weaning, biochemical and hematological data. The response of children to treatment was informed by their mothers. Results: 17/20 (85%) of the children receiving zinc chelate and 10/20 (50%) of the children receiving placebo improved their appetite for salt foods. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05, chi-square test). Conclusion: Zinc supplementation may improve the acceptance of salt foods by children.