Am J C/in Nuir 1992;56:491-8. Printed in USA. © 1992 American Society for Clinical Nutrition 491 Effect of a zinc-fortified formula on immunocompetence and growth of malnourished infants3

ABSTRACT This study attempted to define the possible contribution ofzinc nutrition to immunocompetence and growth in severely malnourished infants. The effect ofzinc supplemen-tation was evaluated in marasmic infants during nutritional re-habilitation by using a controlled double-blind design in which 19 infants fed a zinc-fortified formula were compared with 20 infants fed the same nonsupplemented formula. Evaluation of immunocompetence, growth, and zinc, copper, and iron status was performed on admission and at 30, 60, and 105 d of nutri-tional rehabilitation. Although energy intake was similar in both groups, the zinc-supplemented infants had significantly higher linear growth gain, and their immune function improved as demonstrated by conversion of their delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions, enhanced lymphoproliferative response to PHA, and increased salivary IgA concentrations. Thus, the use of a zinc-fortified formula during nutritional rehabilitation can pre-vent the development of zinc deficiency and improve growth and immune function. Am J C/in Nutr l992;56:491-8. KEY WORDS Zinc nutrition, immune status, cell-mediated immunity, delayed hypersensitivity, phytohemagglutinin, secre