Why Health Experts Say “Always Use Zinc for Diarrhoea”

 

Why Health Experts Say “Always Use Zinc for Diarrhoea”

Health authorities like the World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend zinc supplementation along with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) for treating diarrhea in children.

✅ Why Zinc Is Important

1. Reduces duration – Zinc shortens how long diarrhoea lasts.

2. Reduces severity – It decreases stool frequency and volume.

3. Prevents recurrence – Zinc can reduce future diarrhoea episodes for 2–3 months.

4. Supports immunity – It strengthens the immune system and helps repair the intestinal lining.

💊 Recommended Dosage (for Children)

• 6 months and older: 20 mg zinc per day for 10–14 days

• 2–6 months: 10 mg zinc per day for 10–14 days

👉 Zinc should be given together with ORS, not as a replacement.

⚠️ Important Notes

• Continue breastfeeding and normal feeding during diarrhoea.

• If there are danger signs (blood in stool, persistent vomiting, dehydration, fever), seek medical care immediately.

• For adults, zinc may help, but the strongest recommendations are for children under 5 years.

Simple Message:

Diarrhea = ORS + Zinc + Continued Feeding