Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a subclinical disorder which affects the small bowel of children, mainly living in developing countries. Zinc acts a major function in intestinal cells proliferation and crypt- villus structure preservation. Omega-3 fatty acids modulate some enzymes implicated in intestinal inflammation. 

Aim: The present research was intended to assess the effect of receiving both zinc and omega-3 supplements on anthropometric parameters of stunted children and serum markers of EED (alpha-1 acid glycoprotein “AGP”, Tumor necrosis factor “TNF- α”, zonulin, endotoxin-core antibody “EndoCAb” and hsCRP). ). Patients and methods: This interventional study included 105 stunted and/or underweight children. They were subdivided into two groups; group I: 55 children receiving zinc sulphate and group II: 50 children receiving omega-3. Quantification of serum markers of EED (hsCRP, AGP, TNF- α, zonulin, EndoCAb) in addition to serum vitamin D, along with assessment of anthropometric parameters were performed to those children 6 months after zinc and omega-3 supplementation.

Results: In all subjects post- intervention group, anthropometric parameters (height, HAZ score, Weight, WAZ score and arm circumference) increased significantly 6 months after supplementation, however serum markets of EED (AGP, hsCRP, TNF- α and zonulin) decreased significantly 6 months after supplementation. Vitamin D level correlated positively with WAZ and HAZ scores.