Study of Estimation of Serum Zinc Levels in Breast Feeding Infants, Aged between (6 to 12 Months) of North Karnataka

Background: Malnutrition especially during the early few years of life predisposes to micronutrient deficiencies such as iron and zinc. 1Approximately 30% to 50% of children in developing countries are at high risk for malnutrition and associated illness2and have low serum and plasma levels of zinc.

Aims of the Study: To study the effect of zinc supplementation on serum zinc levels among healthy breast fed babies aged between 6 months to 12 months.

Materials and Method: The present study was a randomized controlled trial from May 2016 to September 2017 with both control and interventional group having 100 patients. A total of three follow ups (6, 9 and 12 months) were performed during the study period and mean serum zinc levels were measured.

Results: A total of 200 babies were enrolled in the study. First and second follow up visits were done in 186 and 172 babies respectively. 168 babies completed all the three follow-up visits of which, 53.6% (90) and 46.3% (78) belonged to the interventional and control groups respectively. The mean serum Zn level of the interventional group was higher 198.9 ± 47.19 compared to the controls 133.90 ± 68.65 highly significant statistically with an effectsize was 65.025 (CI 95%, 21.38 to 108.66, p = 0.005).

Conclusion: The mean serum zinc levels are significantly higher in children with who were given zinc supplement.