Effects of repletion with zinc and other micronutrients on neuropsychologic performance and growth of Chinese children

This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of zinc supplementation on cognitive performance in 179 Chinese schoolchildren with marginal zinc status. Children received either 20mg of zinc, multiple micronutrients including zinc, or placebo for 10 weeks.

Results showed that zinc supplementation significantly improved neuropsychological performance, particularly in tests of attention, short-term memory, and hand-eye coordination. Children receiving zinc showed faster reaction times and better performance on vigilance tasks.

The study demonstrates the importance of adequate zinc status for cognitive function in children. Zinc is essential for neurotransmitter function, neuronal signaling, and brain development. While this study focused on children with marginal deficiency, the findings highlight zinc's critical role in cognitive function across the lifespan. Zinc supplementation is generally safe, though excessive intake should be avoided.