How much zinc can be given in infants with increased secretory losses, according to the guidelines for premies?

In infants, especially those who are premature and may experience increased secretory losses, adequate zinc supplementation is crucial for proper growth and development. Zinc plays a vital role in numerous biological processes, including immune function, cellular metabolism, and protein synthesis.

Guidelines for zinc supplementation in this population suggest a dosing of approximately 400 micrograms per kilogram per day. This level of supplementation is specifically tailored to meet the increased needs of infants who are at risk of zinc deficiency due to factors like increased gastrointestinal secretions or malabsorption, which can occur more frequently in premature infants.

The recommendation for 400 micrograms per kilogram per day is based on studies that have shown this amount to effectively provide the necessary zinc for optimal health outcomes in this vulnerable group, while also helping to prevent complications associated with zinc deficiency. Overall, careful management of nutrient supplementation, particularly in preterm infants, is essential due to their unique physiological needs and the potential for significant differences from term infants.