Does zinc help children recover from diarrhoea?

Bottom Line

The current evidence does not support the use of zinc supplementation in children less six months of age, in well-nourished children, and in settings where children are at low risk of zinc deficiency. In areas where the prevalence of zinc deficiency or the prevalence of malnutrition is high, zinc may be of benefit in children aged six months or more. (S1)

Cochrane (2016) rated this evidence very low certainty.

The registry also contains 2 later systematic reviews or guidelines on this question (latest 2024). They are not summarised here; see the full list in Research Rail.

Sources

1. S1 Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children. Lazzerini M, Wanzira H · 2016 Dec 20 · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · Systematic review / meta-analysis

This report screened 35 research or guidance records; the full list is available in Research Rail.