Consequently, to clarify the role of zinc in relation to pneumonia, our study will determine whether or not a low baseline zinc status is associated with the etiology of pneumonia. This potential finding may strengthen the scientific evidence that supports mass population zinc supplementation. Furthermore, this study will also establish if zinc used as treatment adjunct during a severe pneumonia episode results in more rapid clinical recovery from pneumonia. Moreover, our study intends to evaluate the effect of zinc, used as an adjunct to the treatment of pneumonia, on the clinical evolution in correlation with the etiology of pneumonia in Ecuadorian children when compared to placebo.