Zinc supplementation for acute gastroenteritis.

QUESTION: Gastroenteritis with diarrhea is a common condition in children, potentially leading to dehydration, morbidity, and in some countries substantial mortality. Is there a role for zinc supplementation in these cases? ANSWER: Zinc can be found in a variety of foods, and in Canada some foods are fortified with zinc. Zinc supplementation was shown to be a safe and effective measure to shorten diarrhea-related illness in children and to possibly reduce other complications including death. Although the World Health Organization recommends a daily dose of zinc for 10 to 14 days to manage acute diarrhea in children, Canadian children who eat a regular diet do not need such supplementation.