In addition to reducing diarrhea duration, zinc supplementation has been associated with what other outcome?

• A. Increased stool output
• B. Decreased risk of hospitalization
• C. Increased diarrheal mortality
• D. No effect

Answer: (B)

Zinc helps not only shorten diarrhea but also reduce the severity of illness, which lowers the chance that a child needs hospital care. By supporting the intestinal lining and immune response, zinc decreases dehydration and the risk of persistent diarrhea, leading to fewer hospital admissions. The other options describe effects that zinc does not have (increasing stool output or mortality, or no effect).