MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES AND THEIR ROLE IN PAEDIATRIC GROWTH AND RECOVERY DELAYS

Abstract

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are a major contributor to delayed recovery and impaired growth in pediatric populations, particularly in low-resource settings. Nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A are essential for immune function, tissue repair, and metabolic development, and their absence may prolong illness and impair convalescence in children.

Objective: To examine how essential micronutrient deficiencies contribute to prolonged recovery in pediatric patients, and to assess the impact of targeted supplementation on clinical outcomes.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted over eight months at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Lahore. A total of 200 children aged 6 months to 12 years with documented micronutrient deficiencies and delayed recovery were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving daily supplementation of iron, zinc, and vitamin A, or a control group receiving standard care. Primary outcome was recovery duration; secondary outcomes included changes in hemoglobin, weight gain, and micronutrient status. Data were analyzed using t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA, with p-values <0.05 considered significant.

Results: Children in the intervention group recovered significantly faster (mean 6.4 ± 1.9 days) than those in the control group (mean 9.1 ± 2.3 days, p=0.001). Hemoglobin increased by 1.6 g/dL in the intervention group versus 0.4 g/dL in controls (p=0.002). Daily weight gain was higher in the supplemented group (8.2 g/day vs. 5.6 g/day, p=0.005). Deficiency resolution rates for anemia, zinc, and vitamin A were also markedly better in the intervention cohort.

Conclusion: Micronutrient supplementation significantly improved recovery outcomes in pediatric patients. Integrating routine screening and supplementation into pediatric care may enhance recovery and reduce morbidity in vulnerable children.