OBJECTIVE: To test whether zinc supplementation reduces the deficits in mental development and behaviour that are found in term infants of low birth weight in the study population. DESIGN: A prospective double-blind, part-randomised efficacy trial. SETTING: A low-income population in Pernambuco, northeast Brazil, where the economy is largely dependent on sugar-cane production, and where over 90% of deliveries occur in health facilities. SUBJECTS: During a 20-month period, all singleton, term infants weighing 1500-2499 g born to families of low income ( <; US $280/month) were enrolled at birth (n = 205). At 6 and 12-months, the numbers tested were 163 and 138 respectively. INTERVENTION: Infants born from January 1993-January 1994 were randomly assigned to receive daily, except Sundays, a placebo (n = 66) or 1 mg zinc (n = 68). Those born February-August 1994 were given 5 mg zinc (n = 71). Supplementation was for eight weeks, starting at birth. Field workers visited each infant at home to administer the supplement. RESULTS: At 6 and 12-months, mental and psychomotor development was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and no significant differences in the scores of the three groups were found. At 12-months, behaviour was also assessed on 5 ratings. Ratings were highest in infants given 5 mg zinc (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS:Zinc supplementation (5 mg/d) for eight weeks may reverse some of the poor behaviours, particularly responsiveness, exhibited by low birth weight infants. No amelioration of their mental and psychomotor deficits was found.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To test whether zinc supplementation reduces the deficits in mental development and behaviour that are found in term infants of low birth weight in the study population. DESIGN: A prospective double-blind, part-randomised efficacy trial. SETTING: A low-income population in Pernambuco, northeast Brazil, where the economy is largely dependent on sugar-cane production, and where over 90% of deliveries occur in health facilities. SUBJECTS: During a 20-month period, all singleton, term infants weighing 1500-2499 g born to families of low income ( < US $280/month) were enrolled at birth (n = 205). At 6 and 12-months, the numbers tested were 163 and 138 respectively. INTERVENTION: Infants born from January 1993-January 1994 were randomly assigned to receive daily, except Sundays, a placebo (n = 66) or 1 mg zinc (n = 68). Those born February-August 1994 were given 5 mg zinc (n = 71). Supplementation was for eight weeks, starting at birth. Field workers visited each infant at home to administer the supplement. RESULTS: At 6 and 12-months, mental and psychomotor development was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and no significant differences in the scores of the three groups were found. At 12-months, behaviour was also assessed on 5 ratings. Ratings were highest in infants given 5 mg zinc (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Zinc supplementation (5 mg/d) for eight weeks may reverse some of the poor behaviours, particularly responsiveness, exhibited by low birth weight infants. No amelioration of their mental and psychomotor deficits was found.
Entities:
Keywords:
Age Factors; Americas; Behavior; Biology; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Brazil; Child Development; Delivery Of Health Care; Demographic Factors; Developing Countries; Food Supplementation; Health; Health Services; Hemic System; Infant; Intelligence; Latin America; Low Birth Weight; Nutrition Programs; Personality; Physiology; Population; Population Characteristics; Primary Health Care; Prospective Studies; Psychological Factors; Research Methodology; Research Report; Serum Zinc Level; South America; Studies; Youth
Authors: Parul Christian; Mary E Morgan; Laura Murray-Kolb; Steven C LeClerq; Subarna K Khatry; Barbara Schaefer; Pamela M Cole; Joanne Katz; James M Tielsch Journal: J Nutr Date: 2011-09-28 Impact factor: 4.798
Authors: Ala K Shaikhkhalil; Jennifer Curtiss; Teresa D Puthoff; Christina J Valentine Journal: J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr Date: 2014-02 Impact factor: 2.839
Authors: Lindsey M Locks; Karim P Manji; Christine M McDonald; Roland Kupka; Rodrick Kisenge; Said Aboud; Molin Wang; David C Bellinger; Wafaie W Fawzi; Christopher P Duggan Journal: Matern Child Nutr Date: 2016-05-18 Impact factor: 3.092