Second to iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn) is one of the most plentiful trace elements in the body - mediating many physiological functions and is believed to be essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.

Supplementation of the trace element Zinc has been found to reduce the risk of death in children aged 12-48 months by 18 %, on top of reduction in cases of pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria.

But in children 1- 11 months of age, zinc supplements did not result in significant reduction in mortality.

Such were the findings of a clinical trial conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in children living in malaria-infested areas.

According to the study's lead author, Sunil Sazawal, PhD, associate professor in the Department of International Health:

"While further work is needed to evaluate higher dose effects, recommendations for use of zinc as a preventive strategy needs to consider the collective evidence of the effect on growth, morbidity and mortality, which would suggest benefit in children age 6 months and up."

Supported by grants from the World Health Organization Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, the United Nations Foundation, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the double-blind trial involved 42,546 children living in Pemba, Zanzibar.

Read the full report.