Zinc Sulfate Acceptability

Introduction: Zinc (Zn) is an essential mineral widely distributed within the human body with metalloproteins, Zinc-binding proteins, etc. It is necessary for signal transduction and also cell growth and proliferation via respective metallo- and zinc-dependent enzymes. Zinc supplementation can significantly reduce diarrheal severity and duration as well as prevents future incidences and reduces use of other medications in diarrhoea. For this reason WHO, UNICEF, USAID and experts worldwide jointly recommended zinc supplementation (10 mg for infants less than 6 months old and 20 mg in 6 - 59 months old) combined with reduced osmolarity ORS for clinical management of acute diarrhoea. But due to strong metallic taste zinc products are less palatable to children even after using masking flavours as recommended by WHO. Several companies have formulated the product since WHO recommendations came but still transient side effects like vomiting and regurgitation remain evident. Despite careful counselling to the caregivers expected adherence rate to 10 days regimen of zinc supplement is yet to be reached. With the aim to increase zinc supplement coverage during acute diarrheal illness, it is necessary to conduct a study to introduce new formulation Zinc tablet which is more palatable, more dispersible and more acceptable. Intervention: Zinc sulfate \[Zinc Dispersible Tablet, 20 mg; (Elemental Zinc 20 mg as Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate / Tablet)\] Methods: Prospective, open label, interventional study Hypothesis: Improved formulation of Zinc Sulfate will have good acceptability. Study population: Stratum 1: 3 months - \<18 months = 175 children Stratum 2: 18 months - 59 months = 175 children Objectives: 1. Primary Objective: Acceptability of the zinc product in the management of childhood diarrhea will be assessed by observing: i) Incidence of vomiting or regurgitation among enrolled children receiving the improvised zinc formulation. ii) The adherence: The