Effect of supplementation with zinc and other micronutrients on malaria in Tanzanian children: a randomised trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It is uncertain to what extent oral supplementation with zinc can reduce episodes of malaria in endemic areas. Protection may depend on other nutrients. We measured the effect of supplementation with zinc and other nutrients on malaria rates.

Methods and findings

In a 2×2 factorial trial, 612 rural Tanzanian children aged 6-60 months in an area with intense malaria transmission and with height-for-age z-score≤-1.5 SD were randomized to receive daily oral supplementation with either zinc alone (10 mg), multi-nutrients without zinc, multi-nutrients with zinc, or placebo. Intervention group was indicated by colour code, but neither participants, researchers, nor field staff knew who received what intervention. Those with Plasmodium infection at baseline were treated

SUBMITTER: Veenemans J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3222646 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature