Short-term zinc SUPPL.ementation with dispersible tablets or zinc sulfate solution yields similar positive effects on plasma zinc concentration of young children in Burkina Faso: A randomized controlled trial

摘要

Objective: To assess zinc absorption from dispersible tablets by investigating the effects of short-term zinc SUPPL.ementation, provided either as zinc (Zn) sulfate dispersible tablets or solution, on changes in plasma Zn concentration in young children. Study design: We conducted a randomized, partially-masked, placebo-controlled trial in 451 children 6 to 23 months of age in Burkina Faso, randomly assigned to receive a dispersible tablet containing 5 mg Zn, a Zn solution containing 5 mg Zn/5 mL, or a placebo solution, daily for 3 weeks. The main outcome measure was change in plasma zinc concentration after SUPPL.ementation compared with baseline. Results: The mean plus or minus SD change in plasma Zn concentration (μg/dL) was significantly greater in both Zn SUPPL.emented groups (tablets: 16.9 ± 13.1μg/dL, liquid: 16.6 ± 14.2 μg/dL), compared with the placebo group (0.2 ± 10.9 μg/dL; P <.001, ANOVA). In both Zn SUPPL.emented groups, but not in the placebo group, change in plasma Zn concentration was progressively less with increasing age in months (-0.79 μg/dL/mo and -1.15 μg/dL/mo, respectively; P <.001); this effect did not differ in the Zn SUPPL.emented groups (P =.18). Conclusions: Short-term SUPPL.ementation results in a large increase in plasma Zn concentration, regardless of whether the additional Zn is provided as a dispersible tablet or solution.