Myth-buster
Zinc adherence for childhood diarrhea hit only 63% in a meta-analysis — though the data came from just 10 observational studies with no blinding.
This review suggests many caregivers don't complete the full zinc regimen, but because all studies were observational and small, we can't be sure how much poor adherence is driven by the supplement itself versus broader social and economic barriers.
Researchers combined 10 observational studies on zinc supplementation for under‑5 children with acute diarrhea. They found that only about 63 out of every 100 children finished a 10‑day course, and only about 35 out of 100 finished a 14‑day course. The most commonly cited reasons for stopping included poor taste, lack of caregiver understanding, and cost — meaning the problem isn't necessarily the supplement's effectiveness, but real‑world challenges in getting kids to take it consistently.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Zinc for Improved Zinc Supplementation Adherence — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
- Meta-Analysis
- n = 10
- 2025
- Epidemiology and infection
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.