RESUMO
Zinc is an important nutrient which is critical for normal immune function and physical growth. Zinc deficiency seems to be common in developing countries and this makes children in those countries prone to infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of zinc supplementation on growth of school children in Yasuj, in Southwest of Iran. The study was done as a double - blinded clinical trial. Eight hundreds and four school children aged 8-11 were the subjects of this study. Children were randomly assigned to zinc or placebo group to receive daily supplementation of zinc or placebo, in an identical form [syrup] and identical pre-coded containers, 6 days per week, for 7 months. Anthropometric assessment was first performed at the time of enrolment and then monthly. The data were analyzed by standard statistical tests using SPSS software. Results showed significant weight gain in zinc supplemented group compared with placebo group [1.71 +/- 1.48 VS 0.65 +/- 1.98; p<0.0001]. Also the mean height gain was significantly higher in zinc supplemented group than placebo group 3.26 +/- 1.55 VS 1.65 +/- 0.94; p<0.0001]. Zinc supplementation improves children's growth and measures should be taken to supply this nutrient to the children, particularly where zinc deficiency is common