Efficacy of Zinc-L-Carnosine (Polaprezinc) in Treating Infant Regurgitation: Results from a Two-Center Randomized Controlled Study - Report - MDSpire

Efficacy of Zinc-L-Carnosine (Polaprezinc) in Treating Infant Regurgitation: Results from a Two-Center Randomized Controlled Study

  • By

  • Marisa Piccirillo

  • Maurizio Mennini

  • Enrico Felici

  • Angela Mauro

  • Luca Bernardo

  • Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre

  • Erika Renzi

  • Corrado De Vito

  • Silvia Furio

  • Marco Graziani

  • Giovanna Quatrale

  • Alessandro Ferretti

  • Giovanni Di Nardo

  • April 21, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Efficacy of Zinc-L-Carnosine in Treating Infant Regurgitation

Overview

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Zinc-L-carnosine (Polaprezinc) in treating persistent regurgitation in infants. Results indicate significant symptom improvement and lower treatment costs compared to thickened formula.

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants and often leads to parental concern despite being typically self-limited. Current management strategies include thickened formulas, but there is a need for safer alternatives. Zinc-L-carnosine has shown promise in adult gastrointestinal disorders, warranting investigation in pediatric populations.

Data Highlights

GroupI-GERQ-R Score ImprovementRegurgitation Frequency ReductionTreatment Cost
Hepilor liquido®SignificantGreater reductionLower
Thickened formulaSignificantLess reductionHigher

Key Findings

  • Both treatment groups showed significant improvement in I-GERQ-R scores after 8 weeks.
  • The Hepilor liquido® group had a greater reduction in regurgitation frequency compared to the thickened formula group.
  • The average treatment cost was significantly lower for Hepilor liquido®.
  • No severe adverse events were reported in either treatment group.
  • Zinc-L-carnosine is a safe alternative for managing persistent infant regurgitation.

Clinical Implications

Zinc-L-carnosine presents a viable treatment option for infants with persistent regurgitation, especially when non-pharmacological measures fail. Its lower cost and effectiveness may enhance treatment accessibility for families.

Conclusion

Zinc-L-carnosine is an effective and cost-efficient alternative to thickened formulas for treating infant regurgitation, supporting further research in larger cohorts.

References

  1. Frontiers, Source, 2026 -- Zinc-L-Carnosine (Polaprezinc) in Managing Infant Regurgitation
  2. Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants and Children: Diagnosis and Treatment | AAFP
  3. Thickened Feedings for Infants with Gastroesophageal Reflux | AAFP
  4. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery — Evaluating the Impact and Effectiveness of Antireflux Surgery in Pediatric Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Comprehensive Review
  5. Intensive Care Medicine — Comparison of Erythromycin and Metoclopramide for Facilitating Post-Pyloric Spiral Nasoenteric Tube Insertion: Results from a Randomized Non-Inferiority Study
  6. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — Efficacy of a High-Concentration Probiotic Combination Including Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Bacillus coagulans, and Saccharomyces boulardii in Preventing Antibiotic-Related Diarrhea in Adults: Results from a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study (SPAADA)
  7. Surgical Endoscopy — Long-term Patient-Centered Outcomes of Dysphagia, Odynophagia, Gas-Bloating, and Inability to Belch or Vomit in the RefluxStop Multicenter Trial: Sequelae Related to the Food Passageway After 5 Years
  8. Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants and Children: Diagnosis and Treatment | AAFP
  9. Thickened Feedings for Infants with Gastroesophageal Reflux | AAFP
  10. Frontiers | Zinc-L-Carnosine (Polaprezinc) in Managing Infant Regurgitation: A Two-Center Randomized Controlled Trial

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