The role of zinc in the treatment and prevention of diarrhoea.
2010
Salvatore, S. | Wagner, P. | Nespoli, L. | Vandenplas, Y.
Zinc is an essential micronutrient involved in many metabolic processes, cell growth, neurological, intestinal and immune functions. Zinc deficiency is common in developing countries because of inadequate intake or reduced absorption, and may also be a result of excessive intestinal losses of zinc caused by diarrhoea. Several hospital- and community-based randomized trials, all performed in developing countries, consistently showed that zinc is an effective treatment for acute or persistent diarrhoea in children younger than 5 years. The mechanism of action of zinc in acute diarrhoea is not completely known. Plausible mechanisms include improved absorption of water and electrolytes by the intestine, faster regeneration of gut epithelium, increased levels of enterocyte brush-border enzymes and an enhanced immune response. In developing countries, zinc also showed a significant effect in the prevention of diarrhoea. Dispersible tablet formulation (20 mg/day) has demonstrated to be a cheap, stable, easy-to-prepare and acceptable alternative. Populations that would benefit from zinc treatment, other than those with zinc-deficient diets, are still to be defined.
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