Zinc supplementation sustained normative neurodevelopment in a randomized, controlled trial of Peruvian infants aged 6-18 months.

A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of prevention of zinc deficiency on cognitive and sensorimotor development during infancy. At 6 mo of age, infants were randomly assigned to be administered a daily liquid supplement containing 10 mg/d of zinc (zinc sulfate), 10 mg/d of iron (ferrous sulfate), and 0.5 mg/d of copper (copper oxide), or an identical daily liquid supplement containing only 10 mg/d of iron and 0.

Maternal zinc supplementation during pregnancy affects autonomic function of Peruvian children assessed at 54 months of age.

Maternal prenatal zinc supplementation improved fetal autonomic regulation in a nutrient-deficient population in Peru. To evaluate whether differences in autonomic regulation existed in early childhood, we studied 165 children from a zinc supplementation trial (80% of original sample) as part of a comprehensive evaluation at age 54 mo. Electrocardiogram (ECG) data were collected from the children at rest and while they underwent a cognitive testing battery following a standardized protocol.

Maternal gestational zinc supplementation does not influence multiple aspects of child development at 54 mo of age in Peru.

Background: Zinc is necessary for central nervous system development, and maternal zinc status has been associated with developmental differences in offspring.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate differences in cognitive, social, and behavioral function in Peruvian children at 54 mo of age whose mothers participated during pregnancy in a zinc supplementation trial.

Design: We attempted to follow up 205 children from a prenatal zinc supplementation trial and present data on 184 (90%) children-86 whose mothers took 25 mg zinc/d in addition to 60 mg iron and 250 microg folic acid and 98 whose mothers took iron and folic acid only.