Benefits of Oral Zinc Supplementation in Term Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia

The circulation of bilirubin in the enterohepatic system plays a crucial role in neonatal jaundice. 

A new study assessed the efficacy of oral zinc in decreasing serum bilirubin levels in term neonates experiencing hyperbilirubinemia. 

This was a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled design that enrolled 106 term neonates admitted to a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) within the phototherapy range. The neonates were randomly assigned to receive either oral zinc sulfate (5 mg/day) or a placebo for five days, along with conventional phototherapy – following American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. The primary outcomes measured were the reduction in total serum bilirubin levels at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the intervention. Secondary outcomes included the duration of phototherapy and hospital stay. 

It was found that oral zinc supplementation significantly reduced total and indirect serum bilirubin levels and decreased the total duration of phototherapy requirement compared to the placebo group. No significant difference in hospital stay was observed between the two groups. 

Thus, the results confirmed that a daily dose of 5 mg oral zinc sulfate, in addition to phototherapy, effectively reduces serum bilirubin levels in term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia and renders minimal or no adverse effects. The positive outcomes suggest the need for further research exploring different dosages and formulations of zinc, along with precise laboratory studies, including neonates with complicated jaundice.

Source: Mandlecha TH, Mundada SM, Gire PK, Reddy N, Khaire P, Joshi T, Pawar S. Indian Pediatrics. 2023 Dec;60(12):991-5.