Zinc supplementation did not affect caloric or protein emake in presence of free availability of food

Meta-analysis of zinc supplementation trials has confirmed a growth effect in zinc deficient children. Improved appetite and intake are possible mechanisms for this effect. Within a zinc supplementation trial, we evaluated if zinc caused an improvement in appetite and there by an increase in intake from a standardised test meal. A subsample of 128 children (47 in zinc + vitamins group (Z), 42 in vitamins group (V), 39 in true placebo (P) were selected, matched for age and duration of followup. Each child was investigated by a direct observation of 6h, after a test meal consisting of 200g Nestum, 200ml milk, 20g puffed rice, 75g banana, SOg bread and 10 grapes was given to the mother. All intakes, including those from non test-meal foods were receded. Mothers' stimulations were also recorded. Groups were comparable for all assessed baseline features. Stimulation to eat from mother was also similar, (Physical help given (56) Z 47, V 46, P 43; Stimulated (%) Z 33, V31, P 29; Pressurised (%) Z 6, V 5, P 5). The median total ( Z 364, V 333, P 324), and test meal (Z 312, V 297, P 315) calories offered were similar. There were no significant differences in the caloric intake, total (Z 148, V146, 138) or from testmeal (Z 111, V130, P 92). The protein offered (Z 7, V 6, P 6) and consumed (Z 3 , V 3, P 2) was also similar. Subgroup analysis of stunted children, males and those with zinc level <60 ug/dl were similar to overall results. We conclude that zinc supplementation did not have effect on appetite of a magnitude so as to result in higher food intakes.