Efficacy of Oral Zinc Sulfate Intake in Prevention of Neonatal Jaundice

Jaundice is considered as a common clinical condition during infancy. Prevention of severe hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice) is safer and easier than current therapies, like phototherapy or blood exchange. In some animal studies, zinc was found effective in reducing jaundice. In this study we evaluated the effect of zinc sulfate on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed on healthy term (35 weeks of age and more) neonates. Eligible newborns were randomly allocated to two groups: group A (receiving zinc sulfate, n=57) and group B (receiving placebo, n=74). They were screened for indirect bilirubin by BiliCheck at the end of the first, third and seventh day of age. We evaluated various characteristics such as weight, clinical signs, maternal and neonatal histories, and laboratory results. Mean bilirubin values of the 3rd and 7th day were determined as (12.9±3 vs. 12.6±2 mg/dl, p=0.473), and (12.4±3 vs. 12.4±4, p=0.989), respectively. The incidence of hyperbilirubinemia (Bil>15) among group A and group B was reported 26% and 22%, respectively. The rate of admission due to hyperbilirubinemia and phototherapy was significantly higher among the newborns in placebo group, (p=0.043). Weight gain between the 3rd and 7th day of infant’s age was more significant in the zinc group, (p=0.039). The current study showed that the administration of zinc sulfate neither affected hyperbilirubinemia, nor delayed the jaundice appearance; although fewer admission and phototherapy duration were reported in the zinc group in comparison with the placebo group. Weight gain between the 3rd and 7th day was more significant in the zinc group.