Increased food intake of young children receiving a zinc supplement
N. F. Krebs, K. M. Hambidge and P. A. Walravens
Food intake was calculated in 30 young children with evidence of mild zinc
deficiency. In a double-blind controlled study of one year's duration, the
test children (n = 15, including ten boys) received a zinc supplement
(average, 4.2 mg/day), and the controls received a placebo syrup. Increases
during the study period in calculated intakes of energy, protein, and nine
other nutrients were attributable to the zinc supplementation. A
significant treatment effect on nutrient intakes was also observed for the
boys but not for the girls. Calculated daily energy intakes of the test
boys increased from an initial mean of 1,280 kcal (88% Recommended Dietary
Allowance [RDA] ) to a final mean of 1,880 kcal (118% RDA). Zinc deficiency
should be considered in the differential diagnosis of anorexia in young
children.
