Zinc

Citation

(2000), "Zinc", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 30 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2000.01730fab.007

Zinc

Zinc

A conference in June 2000 met to consider the role of zinc in promoting health. According to WHO, pneumonia, diarrhoea, measles, malaria and malnutrition account for 70 per cent of all childhood deaths globally. Recent trials in various countries worldwide show that zinc supplementation can reduce the incidence and severity of diarrhoea and respiratory diseases. Risk of dietary zinc deficiency is very high for children in developing countries. The FAO suggest that nearly half the world's people, especially those in the poorer countries of South and Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, have insufficient zinc in their food supply. Researchers working in various parts of the world have found that zinc supplementation can reduce stunting (low height for age) and susceptibility to infection. It is now known that zinc is also essential for disease resistance, wound healing, digestion, reproduction, physical growth, diabetes control and even for taste and smell.