Zinc is an essential element for growth and development of children. Its deficiency is associated with increased risk of infection, particularly diarrhoea and pneumonia. Zinc supplementation in children has been reported to prevent pneumonia; however, its effect remains unclear. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of zinc supplementation in the prevention of pneumonia in children of two to 59 months of age.
The review authors found six randomised controlled trials evaluating the impact of providing zinc supplementation for the prevention of pneumonia. The studies were conducted in Bangladesh, India, Peru, and South Africa. Children of two to 59 months of age were randomly assigned to receive zinc or a placebo. In two studies, the children were given vitamin A in both the groups. Analysis of the studies showed that zinc supplementation was significantly associated with reducing the incidence and prevalence of pneumonia among children of two to 59 months of age. Evidence provided so far from randomised controlled trials is sufficient to recommend zinc intake in deficient populations through supplementation, dietary improvements, or fortification, for enhancing child survival.