Abstract

This was a randomized controlled trial undertaken to study the role of zinc supplementation on growth of low birth weight infants (b.wt≤2500 gm). Out of 120 LBW infants, 23 were excluded due to loss of follow up. The remaining 97 LBW eligible neonates were randomized in to 2 group (zinc & control group), zinc group were given zinc supplementation at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks from enrollment. They were then followed up every 4 weeks up to 8 weeks. At each visit, detail anthropometry including e weight, length, and head circumference were recorded at each visit. The infants in the zinc group had significantly higher weight gain (p<0.000), length gain (p<0.000), linear growth velocity and head circumference at 8 weeks. We concluded that zinc supplementation at 2 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks in LBW infants improves their growth during infancy.

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