Volume : VIII, Issue : III, March - 2018

EFFECT OF ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT BABIES

Sajith J S, Razin Nazarullah

Abstract :

 

Background– Zinc is known to play a critical role in normal growth and development. Low birth weight babies (LBW) with low serum zinc levels and have higher rates of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases because of impaired immunity and are at increased risk of growth failure.

 

Objectives– This study was undertaken to assess zinc deficiency status in LBW babies and the effect of zinc supplementation on them. This was a hospital based , Prospective randomized control study.

 

Methods–   A total of 100 LBW babies delivered at Shri B M Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre or delivered at outside hospital & referred to our hospital were included in the study. Quantitative analysis of serum zinc level in LBW babies was made and Cases were supplemented orally with 10mg of elemental zinc per day for 3 months.

 

Results– zinc supplementation especially among Low Birth Weight babies has significant benefit on their growth and is found effective to enhance the growth in early months of life, particularly weight and linear growth.

 

Conclusion – Because LBW is a major pediatric problem, accounting for approximately 30% of all live births in developing country like India. Serum Zinc level in LBW babies in our study was low. Zinc supplementation in them was found to be effective to enhance the growth and decrease morbidity and mortality in them.

Keywords :

Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

Sajith J S, Razin Nazarullah, EFFECT OF ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT BABIES, INDIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH : Volume-8 | Issue-3 | March-2018

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