 Zinc is an essential nutrient that is required for childrens normal growth and resistance to infections, including diarrhea and pneumonia, two major causes of child mortality. Current strategies for controlling the growth and infection-related complications of zinc deficiency include: 1 daily or weekly preventive zinc supplementation, and 2 therapeutic zinc supplementation for 10-14 days in relation to episodes of diarrhea. Information is needed on the relative impact of these intervention strategies on childrens growth and risk of new episodes of diarrhea and other infections. 