What is the role of zinc in diarrhoea?

Answer 1

Well there are numerous studies which have shown that zinc supplementation (10-20 mg per day until cessation of diarrhoea) significantly reduces the severity, duration of diarrhoea and the risk of dehydration will be reduced in children less than 5 years of age. Short course supplementation with zinc (10-20 mg per day for 10 to 14 days) also reduces the incidence of diarrhoea for 2 to 3 months. So it is now recommended that zinc (10-20 mg/day) be given for 10 to 14 days to all children with diarrhoea. Zinc can be given as a syrup or as dispersible tablets, whichever formulation is available and affordable. WHO and UNICEF therefore recommend daily 20 mg zinc supplements for 10–14 days for children with acute diarrhoea, and 10 mg per day for infants under six months old, to curtail the severity of the episode and prevent further occurrences in the ensuing 2-3 months.