Abstract
Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a persistent, subclinical condition of gut inflammation, defined by impaired absorptive function and a compromised intestinal barrier, which is linked to a state of low-grade systemic inflammation. Deficiencies in zinc are associated with an elevated risk of both cognitive deficits and growth stunting. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in brain structure and neurological performance.This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of zinc and omega-3 supplementation on enhancing cognitive and intellectual capacities in pediatric patients diagnosed with environmental enteric dysfunction. This interventional research was conducted with 105 children exhibiting stunting and/or underweight, who had received a diagnosis of EED. Participants were allocated into two cohorts: a Zinc group (n=55) supplemented with zinc sulphate, and an Omega-3 group (n=50) given omega-3 supplements. All children underwent evaluation of their cognitive and intellectual abilities through standardized intelligence quotient (IQ) instruments. Comprehensive anthropometric assessments were also conducted for all participants. The findings of this investigation revealed that the majority of subscales on the WPSSI-IV and WISC-IV, and as a result the full-scale IQ scores, demonstrated significant improvement during the post-intervention period for both the zinc and omega-3 groups. Additionally, key anthropometric indicators, namely the Height-for-Age Z-score (HAZ) and Weight-for-Age Zscore (WAZ), showed significant increases across all groups following the intervention. In the post-intervention phase, total IQ scores were positively correlated with WAZ, HAZ, and BMI z-scores. Conclusion The insights from this research could inform the development of specialized complementary foods for children with EED, aimed at supporting improved intellectual and cognitive outcomes.