Effect of Supplementation of Zinc, Glutamine, Fiber, and Prebiotics in Presumed Healthy Indonesian Children Aged 1–3 Years

PURPOSE: Impaired intestinal mucosal integrity may affect the gastrointestinal function, especially in relation to nutrition, absorption, and barrier function. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of impaired intestinal mucosal integrity in presumed healthy children aged 1–3 years and assess the effects of zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotic supplementation in them. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 200 children aged 1–3 years in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, Indonesia. A randomized double-blind parallel group method clinical trial was then performed to assess the effects of zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotic supplementation. RESULTS: Elevated calprotectin was found in 91/200 subjects (45.5%) at the onset of the study. After 10 months, 144 subjects completed the study: 72 subjects received the trial formula, whereas the other 72 received the standard formula. A transitory decrease in fecal calprotectin (FC) was observed after 6 months in the subgroup with normal FC levels, who were fed the test formula (p=0.012). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of impaired intestinal mucosal integrity in this group of Indonesian children aged 1–3 years was high. Supplementation with zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotics during 6 months reduced FC only in those who had low levels at baseline but not in those with impaired integrity.