Zinc Deficiency

Zinc (Zn) is found in nearly 100 different enzymes and as such is an essential building block for all life. Zinc is the second most common trace mineral in the body after iron and is present in every living cell. The human body contains approximately three grams of zinc, the highest concentrations of which are located in the prostate gland and the eye.

Particularly in developing countries, zinc deficiency is regarded as an important public health issue by scientists.

A sufficient intake of zinc is important as it supports the body in

• immune function

• protein synthesis

• wound healing

• DNA synthesis

• cell division

• normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence

• tasting and smelling

• a normal function of the immune system

• normal DNA synthesis and cell division

• the protection of cell constituents from oxidative damage

• the maintenance of normal bone

• normal cognitive function

• normal fertility and reproduction

• normal metabolism of fatty acids

• normal acid-base metabolism

• normal metabolism of vitamin A

• the maintenance of normal vision

• the maintenance of normal skin

• the maintenance of normal hair

• the maintenance of normal nails

Conditions / Diseases risk

Retarded growth : Marked growth retardation in children is a common feature of mild zinc deficiency. It can be seen particularly in developing countries. Reduced zinc intake by expectant mothers has been linked to decreased attention spans in newborn babies and poorer motor skills at six months. Better coordination in underweight babies and more energetic movement in very young children have been achieved through zinc supplementation. Adequate zinc supply is vital for normal development and growth throughout pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Impaired immune system function : Sufficient zinc supply is important for maintaining immune system function. Individuals exhibiting a zinc deficiency are often more prone to various infectious diseases, such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and (in children) malaria. The duration and severity of acute and persistent childhood diarrhea was shown in a number of studies to be greatly reduced through zinc supplementation in combination with rehydration. Survival rates were also shown to improve. Children from developing countries who were given zinc supplements showed a considerable decrease in the number of cases of pneumonia, according to various studies. Some studies have suggested that the occurrence of cases of childhood malaria could be decreased through supplementation with zinc. Other studies however showed no benefit from supplementation*. That the elderly are more prone to mild zinc deficiencies has been linked to age-related deterioration of immune response. Some studies have shown that levels of immune cells have been seen to increase with zinc supplementation, while others have observed no effect.

Pregnancy complications : Several pregnancy complications have been linked to poor zinc status among expectant mothers. These include preterm birth, low birth weight, labor and delivery problems, and abnormalities in developing fetuses. There have been mixed results from trials where expectant mothers have been given zinc supplements. Some studies noted increased birth weight and reduced incidence of premature birth with supplementation of zinc, others showed no discernible effects.

Age-related macular degeneration : The amount of zinc present in the retina decreases with age. Zinc is therefore thought to be an important factor in the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is where the part of the retina responsible for central vision begins to deteriorate. Zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and copper were found to slow the development of AMD in a largescale clinical trial. However, there have been studies that have observed no effect with zinc supplementation*. Currently there is little evidence that zinc has a preventative effect on AMD but more research is needed.

The Common Cold : Evidence is mixed, but many people believe that zinc lozenges or zinc nasal sprays can reduce the duration and severity of colds if used consistently from when they first notice symptoms*. More high-quality research is required before conclusions can be drawn as to the effectiveness of zinc against certain strains of the common cold.

Diabetes : People who suffer from diabetes may often exhibit a moderate zinc deficiency. More studies are needed, however, before zinc supplementation can be prescribed for diabetics.

HIV infection / AIDS : People diagnosed with HIV are more likely to exhibit a deficiency of zinc, which is vital for maintaining normal immune responses. A more advanced stage of the illness and also an increased mortality rate have been associated with low blood levels of zinc in HIV-positive people. Ascertaining optimal zinc supply levels for people with HIV will require studies.

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