The enrolled children were randomized to receive zinc gluconate (10 mg elemental zinc/day to infants and 20 mg/day to older children) or placebo daily for a period of 4 months. All included subjects were given a massive dose of vitamin A at enrollment in addition to zinc or placebo. A field attendant administered the syrup daily at home for 4 months except on Sundays, when the mother was asked to administer it. One bottle containing 250 mL was kept in the child's home and replaced monthly.