A systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) intake on serum/plasma Zn status in infants. Out of 5500 studies identified through electronic searches and reference lists, 13 RCTs were selected after applying the exclusion/inclusion criteria. The influence of Zn intake on serum/plasma Zn concentration was considered in the overall meta-analysis. Other variables were also taken into account as possible effect modifiers: doses of Zn intake, intervention duration, nutritional status and risk of bias. The pooled β of status was 0.09 [confidence interval (CI) 0.05 to 0.12]. However, a substantial heterogeneity was present in the analyses (I(2) = 98%; P = 0.00001). When we performed a meta-regression, the effect of Zn intake on serum/plasma Zn status changed depending on the duration of the intervention, the dose of supplementation and the nutritional situation (P ANCOVA = 0.054; <0.001 and <0.007, respectively). After stratifying the sample according to the effect modifiers, the results by duration of intervention showed a positive effect when Zn intake was provided during medium and long periods of time (4-20 weeks and >20 weeks). A positive effect was also seen when doses ranged from 8.1 to 12 mg day(-1). In all cases, the pooled β showed high evidence of heterogeneity. Zn supplementation increases serum/plasma Zn status in infants, although high evidence of heterogeneity was found. Further standardised research is urgently needed to reach evidence-based conclusions to clarify the role of Zn supplementation upon infant serum/plasma Zn status, particularly in Europe.

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week of life. Identification of causes of lactation failure can help to find susceptible neonates and to find suitable ways for reducing the incidence of this complication. The aim of this study was to determine causes of insufficiency of breast milk in neonates with hypernatremic dehydration. Methods In a case control study possible maternal risk factors of lactation failure in 25 term infants who were admitted to the hospital for hypernatremic dehydration compared with a control group, 50 healthy full term neonates were selected. They were matched through data collection with interview, examination and filling questionnaire methods. Results In this study the mean age of mothers with dehydrated cases in comparison with control group was less and the difference was statistically significant. Mean while mothers of dehydrated group had a high level of education, with high first experience of pregnancy, and had an unusual modes of delivery. In this group mothers had a low level knowledge in lactation and also anatomical problems of breast. Conclusion Hypernatremic dehydration is a common preventable threat to exclusively breastfed neonates. Because of existence of multiple causes for occurrence of this event. The best way for prevention is meticulous observation of breastfeeding in the first few days of life. Until with advent of breastfeeding problem.