Zinc in Child Health

Abstract

Zinc is an essential mineral required for physiological functions and regular dietary intake is vital as the body cannot produce or store it. In children, zinc is used as a prophylactic and in treating diseases. Its deficiency is common in children due to lack of intake of animal foods, increased faecal loss during diarrhoea and high dietary phytate content in their food. Mortality in children occurs in many countries due to zinc deficiency. If zinc is not consumed in adequate amount, it leads to adverse effects on physical growth and neurodevelopment in children. It is also found to reduce pneumonia and consequent childhood mortality. Zinc supplements improve the growth of children and reduce the total deaths by 18% in 1- to 4-year-olds. Improving dietary quality, regular intake, food fortification and cultivation of zinc-rich plants and vegetables are some measures to mitigate zinc deficiency in children.