A Question Mark on Zinc Deficiency in 185 Million People in Pakistan—Possible Way Out

Abstract

This paper reviews research published in recent years concerning the effects of zinc deficiency, its consequences, and possible solutions. Zinc is an essential trace element necessary for over 300 zinc metalloenzymes and required for normal nucleic acid, protein, and membrane metabolism. Zinc deficiency is one of the ten biggest factors contributing to burden of disease in developing countries. Populations in South Asia, South East Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa are at greatest risk of zinc deficiency. Zinc intakes are inadequate for about a third of the population and stunting affects 40% of preschool children. In Pakistan, zinc deficiency is an emerging health problem as about 20.6% children are found in the levels of zinc, below 60 μg/dL. Signs and symptoms caused by zinc deficiency are poor appetite, weight loss, and poor growth in childhood, delayed healing of wounds, taste abnormalities, and mental lethargy. As body stores of zinc decline, these symptoms worsen and are accompanied by diarrhea, recurrent infection, and dermatitis. Daily zinc requirements for an adult are 12-16 mg/day. Iron, calcium and phytates inhibit the absorption of zinc therefore simultaneous administration should not be prescribed. Zinc deficiency and its effects are well known but the ways it can help in treatment of different diseases is yet to be discovered. Improving zinc intakes through dietary improvements is a complex task that requires considerable time and effort. The use of zinc supplements, dietary modification, and fortifying foods with zinc are the best techniques to combat its deficiency.

Prevalence of zinc deficiency and its association with dietary, serum albumin and intestinal parasitic infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

“…World Health Organization(WHO) estimates that zinc deficiency affects 31 % with the prevalence rates ranging from 4 to 73 % in various regions of the world's population [9]. In developing countries zinc deficiency is one of the ten significant factors contributing to burden of disease [3]. According to a report on global and regional child mortality and burden of disease attributable to zinc deficiency, Africa suffers 58 % of child deaths attributable to zinc deficiency.…”

“…Major problems associated with zinc deficiency include growth retardation, delayed immune system development, cognitive impairment, impaired glucose tolerance, low birth weight, congenital malformations, pregnancy-induced hypertension and increased risk of abortion, miscarriage, stillbirths, preterm labour, postpartum hemorrhage and prolonged labor [1,3,[6][7][8].…”

“…It is necessary for over 300 enzymes required for the synthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Furthermore, zinc has an essential role in the maintenance of cell and organ integrity, in the process of genetic expression and as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent [1][2][3][4][5].…”

Sex and Gender Differences in Infection and Treatments for Infectious Diseases

“…Zinc deficiency is very common throughout the world and causes weight loss, anorexia, poor growth, diarrhea, poor wound healing, and recurrent infections (Khalid et al 2014). Zinc deficiency decreases innate immunity (macrophages, NK cells), causes thymic atrophy and decreased T and B lymphocyte numbers and function alongside increased apoptosis, and shifts to Th2 immunity (Keen and Gershwin 1990;Shankar and Prasad 1998).…”

Zn(ii)/Au(i) and Zn(ii)/Ag(i) Complexes With Salen Schiff Base Express Promising Cytotoxic Activity in Human Cancer Cells

“…Zinc is an essential element required for proper activity of >300 enzymes, 3000 proteins, and over 1000 transcription factors. This metal plays an important role in key biological processes including DNA replication and transcription, gene expression and genome integrity, normal functioning of the immune, and central nervous system [15][16][17][18]. Zinc deficiency has been associated to various pathological conditions such as inflammation, infections, and cancer [17,19,20].…”