Higher and Standard Doses of Enteral Zinc Supplementation in Very Preterm Infants

Higher dose of zinc sulfate 10 mg/day; each 1 mL contains 10 mg of elemental zinc (osmolality 450 Osm/kg H2O). After randomization, nurses blinded to the study aims administered the assigned preparation 1 mL via tuberculin syringe, once daily, 1 hour after feeding. Zinc sulphate oral solution was prepared by the pharmaceutical compounding unit in the hospital. The supplement was given again to subjects who vomited within 15 minutes after the administration. All episodes of vomiting were reported on the record form. Vomiting episodes within 15 minutes were recorded. The supplement assigned was at discharge or at 44 weeks of postmenstrual age whichever came first. Both groups received multivitamin (MTV) products and iron supplement as routine preterm care.

Standard dose of zinc sulfate 1 mg/day; each 1 mL contains 1 mg of elemental zinc (osmolality 45 Osm/kg H2O). After randomization, nurses blinded to the study aims administered the assigned preparation 1 mL via tuberculin syringe, once daily, 1 hour after feeding. Zinc sulphate oral solution was prepared by the pharmaceutical compounding unit in the hospital. The supplement was given again to subjects who vomited within 15 minutes after the administration. All episodes of vomiting were reported on the record form. Vomiting episodes within 15 minutes were recorded. The supplement assigned was discontinued at discharge or at 44 weeks of postmenstrual age whichever came first. Both groups received multivitamin (MTV) products and iron supplement as routine preterm care.