Esophageal stricture in children is commonly due to accidental ingestion of strong corrosives. Prevention of esophageal fibrosis is crucial to limit its vicious sequel. Hitherto discovered inhibitors of collagen synthesis (eg. steroids, penicillamine, etc) have shown equivocal results in clinical studies. Zine inhibits prolyl/lysyl hydroxylase key enzymes in collagen synthesis. The effect of oral zine supplementation in rats subjected to a 'standard esophageal alkali burn' was evaluated with suitable controls. Double Blind evaluation of the resultant submucosal fibrosis histologically with connective tissue stains and semiquantitative estimation by a computerized image analysis system was performed. Zine supplemented drinking water (227 mg/L of Zn plus) significantly decreased submucosal fibrosis in alkali induced esophageal stricture in rats.