Randomized trial of the effect of zinc supplementation on the mental health of school-age children in Guatemala.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rates of mental illness in children are increasing throughout the world. Observational studies of depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder suggest that zinc is an alternative treatment.

Objective

We examined the effect of zinc supplementation on the mental health of school-age children in Guatemala.

Design

From January to October 2006, we conducted a 6-mo randomized, double-blind, controlled trial comparing zinc supplementation (10 mg ZnO/d for 5 d/wk) with a placebo (10 mg glucose) in 674 Guatemalan children in grades 1-4. Outcome measures included internalizing (ie, depression and anxiety) and externalizing (ie, hyperactivity and conduct disorder) problem behaviors, positive behaviors (ie, socialization and leadership), and serum

SUBMITTER: DiGirolamo AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2954453 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature