Zinc is an important micronutrient for the overall health and development of infants and young children. But among children in the poorest countries, zinc deficiency is widespread and can result in higher rates of infectious diseases, including diarrhea.1 During diarrheal episodes, zinc is further depleted. Replacing this critical nutrient is an important way to help children recover from diarrhea and stay healthy.

Studies suggest that providing children with a 10- to 14-day course of zinc treatment can reduce the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes and may also prevent future episodes for up to three months.2 Zinc treatment also can reduce the duration of acute diarrhea by 25 percent3 and could prevent one in four diarrhea deaths.4 Preventive zinc supplementation has also been shown to reduce the incidence of diarrhea.

Read the full fact sheet.