Effect of zinc supplementation on cognitive function in school children
Zinc, cognitive function, nutrition, children
Zinc is an important micronutrient in childhood growth and development, but the effect of zinc supplementation on cognitive function is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on cognitive function in healthy children, aged 6 to 9 years. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III) was used to measure Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Results showed no significant difference in Full Scale IQ by gender and age. Nevertheless, zinc significantly increased some abilities in both the Verbal (Information subtests) and Performance Scores (Picture Completion, Picture Arrangement, Block Design and Object Assembly subtests). In conclusion, zinc supplementation improved specific cognitive abilities, thereby positively influencing the academic performance of school children, even those without marginal zinc deficiency.