摘要：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 that makes children in those countries prone to infectious diseases. In countries where zinc deficiency is common; zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce the rates of diarrhea and to enhance the physical growth of children at risk of stunting. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of zinc supplementation on growth of school children in a relatively deprived setting, Yasuj city, in Southwest of Iran. This is a randomized placebo controlled trial in which eight hundred and four schoolchildren aged 8-11 years, from primary schools (year 1 to 5) in Yasuj city, Southwest of Iran were the subjects of this study. Children were randomly assigned to zinc or placebo group to receive daily supplementation of zinc (2.2 g/lit) or placebo, in an identical form (syrup) and identical pre-coded containers, 6 days per week, for 7 months. Anthropometric assessment (weight and length) was performed at the time of enrolment and monthly afterward. Significant increase in weight (mean 1.9 kg) and length (mean 3.25 P< 0.0001) growth was found in Zn group in compare with placebo group. Zinc supplementation improves children`s growth and step should be taken to supply this nutrient to the children, in particular where zinc deficiency is common.
