Meta-Analysis on Zinc Supplementation in Preterm Infants in Developed vs Developing Countries: Why Zinc Supplementation Matters?

Additional Authors

George Lear, Medical Student, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

Abstract

Background: Zinc is an essential micronutrient critical for numerous metabolic processes, including cellular growth, differentiation, and regeneration. Preterm infants are particularly susceptible to zinc deficiency due to limited placental transfer and higher postnatal losses, which can lead to severe health consequences. There is, however, lack of information that compares the impact of zinc supplementation in preterm infants in developed versus developing countries. Objective: To compare the efficacy of zinc supplementation in improving growth and reducing morbidity in preterm infants in developed and developing countries and to assess the different protocols and outcomes associated with supplementation in these contexts. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases for randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies published from January 1, 2009, through July 1, 2024. Studies included preterm and low-birth-weight infants receiving zinc supplementation, with outcomes measured in growth, morbidity, and neurodevelopment. The risk of bias was assessed independently by two authors. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with 10 conducted in developing countries and 3 in developed countries. Zinc supplementation dosages varied from 1.1 mg/kg/day to 12 mg/day. In developing countries, significant improvements were observed in weight gain and length, with some studies also noting enhanced neurodevelopmental outcomes. In developed countries, the focus was more on reducing morbidity rather than growth metrics, with significant reductions in conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis. Conclusion: Zinc supplementation in preterm infants demonstrates significant benefits in both growth and morbidity, with more pronounced effects in developing countries where baseline zinc deficiency is higher. This analysis underscores the necessity of tailored zinc supplementation protocols to address the specific needs of preterm infants based on their geographical and socio-economic context.

Start Time

16-4-2025 9:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 11:30 AM

Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Category

Health

Student Type

Clinical Doctoral Student (e.g., medical student, pharmacy student)

Faculty Mentor

Darshan Shah

Faculty Department

Pediatrics

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Apr 16th, 9:00 AM Apr 16th, 11:30 AM

Meta-Analysis on Zinc Supplementation in Preterm Infants in Developed vs Developing Countries: Why Zinc Supplementation Matters?

Background: Zinc is an essential micronutrient critical for numerous metabolic processes, including cellular growth, differentiation, and regeneration. Preterm infants are particularly susceptible to zinc deficiency due to limited placental transfer and higher postnatal losses, which can lead to severe health consequences. There is, however, lack of information that compares the impact of zinc supplementation in preterm infants in developed versus developing countries. Objective: To compare the efficacy of zinc supplementation in improving growth and reducing morbidity in preterm infants in developed and developing countries and to assess the different protocols and outcomes associated with supplementation in these contexts. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases for randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies published from January 1, 2009, through July 1, 2024. Studies included preterm and low-birth-weight infants receiving zinc supplementation, with outcomes measured in growth, morbidity, and neurodevelopment. The risk of bias was assessed independently by two authors. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with 10 conducted in developing countries and 3 in developed countries. Zinc supplementation dosages varied from 1.1 mg/kg/day to 12 mg/day. In developing countries, significant improvements were observed in weight gain and length, with some studies also noting enhanced neurodevelopmental outcomes. In developed countries, the focus was more on reducing morbidity rather than growth metrics, with significant reductions in conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis. Conclusion: Zinc supplementation in preterm infants demonstrates significant benefits in both growth and morbidity, with more pronounced effects in developing countries where baseline zinc deficiency is higher. This analysis underscores the necessity of tailored zinc supplementation protocols to address the specific needs of preterm infants based on their geographical and socio-economic context.