Effects of Liquid Zinc Supplementation and Dispersible Zinc Tablets on Plasma Zinc Concentration

The Effect of Zinc Supplementation, Provided as Either a Liquid Zinc Solution or Dispersible Tablets, on Plasma Zinc Concentration Among Young Burkinabe Children

The study aims to compare the effects of two different formulations of zinc supplements on plasma zinc concentrations among young Burkinabe children.

1) To investigate the effects of short-term zinc supplementation, provided either as a dispersible tablet containing zinc sulfate ("ZinCfant," Nutriset Ltd; Malaunay, France) or as a liquid ZnSO4 solution, on changes in serum zinc concentration, compared with a placebo in young Burkinabe children; and 2) to assess the relationship between change in serum zinc concentration and the presence of altered intestinal permeability within each treatment group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• currently breast feeding
• informed consent of a parent or guardian.

Exclusion Criteria:

• symptomatic acute or chronic febrile infections
• diarrhea within the past week
• consuming vitamin or mineral supplements or zinc-fortified infant formulas