Zinc helps children with infections recover quickly

A study by Indian scientists, published in The Lancet on May 31, showed the effect of zinc on accelerating the treatment and recovery process in newborns with diseases. infections such as pneumonia and meningitis.

Indian doctors conducted studies on 655 infants from one week to four months of age at hospitals in the New Delhi capital to assess the effects of zinc. Accordingly, the group of 332 children treated with antibiotics was provided with 10mg of zinc per day, while the other group was provided with a placebo with traditional antibiotics.

The results showed that in children receiving zinc supplements daily, the risk of ineffective treatment was 40% lower than the rest of the children. That means the risk of having to continue treatment with antibiotics for another week, or needing special care in children who receive zinc supplementation is lower.

In addition, the study also found that among cases of unsuccessful treatment in children receiving zinc was 34 cases, while this figure in the other group was 55.

According to Shinjini Bhatnagar, head of the Indian Institute of Health Sciences, zinc supplementation is a low-cost therapy but helps promote the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment, and thus helps to reduce mortality rates. babies and young children.

Medical experts also believe that zinc is a smart choice in the treatment of bacterial infections in children, especially in developing countries - where about seven million children die every year. as well as limited long-term antibiotic treatment and special health care. In addition, zinc can be processed in the form of syrup or tablets and also easily absorbed.

Previous studies have also shown that zinc supplements help treat diarrhea and pneumonia in children under five. Although there is still no explanation for the mechanism of zinc's development, but according to the research group, zinc can promote the ability of children to recover by boosting the immune system while controlling inflammation in children.