Zinc supplementation in childhood diarrhea has been associated with which outcome?

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

Answer: (B)

Zinc helps repair the damaged intestinal lining and supports immune function during a diarrheal episode, which lowers the severity and duration of the illness and reduces fluid losses. Because severe dehydration and prolonged diarrhea are common reasons for hospital admission, zinc supplementation during diarrhea lowers the risk that a child will be hospitalized. The other ideas don’t fit: zinc tends to shorten and lessen diarrhea rather than increase duration or stool output, and there is evidence that zinc can reduce mortality in diarrheal disease, so saying there is no effect on mortality isn’t accurate.