ABSTRACT
Short stature is still a burden in many parts of the world, and can be a result of long-standing malnutrition. By increasing the availability of zinc, zinc supplementation can facilitate growth in children. This study aims to determine the effect of zinc supplementation on linear growth velocity in children with short stature. An open label randomised placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Singkuang Village, Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatera from March to September 2016. Children aged 7-10 years were screened for short stature. Subjects were divided into two groups; the intervention group received zinc supplementation of 10 mg/day, six days a week, and the control group received a placebo. After six months of zinc supplementation, there was no statistically significant increase in height (p = 0.493) and linear growth velocity (p = 0.365). Conclusion: There is no significant increase in height and linear growth velocity after zinc supplementation for six months in children with short stature.
