The effect of oral zinc sulfate on the growth of preterm infants

Zinc is a micro element which plays an important role in the growth of children. Neonates receive the major part of zinc during the third trimester of pregnancy, so preterm infants don’t have enough zinc storage.The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oral zinc sulfate on growth of preterm infants.

This study was carried out on 106 preterm neonates in the 28-36 weeks of gestational age bracket and between 1000-2500 gr in weight born in Imam Reza and Motazedi hospitals in Kermanshah city. They were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received 3 mg/day zinc sulfate for 6 months, but the second group did not received zinc. Both groups were visited monthly and measured for weight, length and head circumference.

The mean age of group 1 and control group was (32.9±2.2 week) and (32.7±2.1 week) and at the end of month 6, mean weight in them was (6861.3± 810.3 gr) and (5118.9±534.7 gr) (P< 0.001) respectively. Significant difference in length and head circumference was not found until end of the second month but from third month, they were significant. The mean of length in zinc group was (59.8±3.8 cm) and in control group was (57.0±3.5cm) (P< 0.001) and the mean of head circumference was (41.4±2.0cm) and (39.5±2.5cm) (P< 0.001).

Zinc supplementation 3mg daily, for preterm infants for 6 months have significant effect on growth of neonates, weight, length and head circumference.