Zinc deficiency: its actual cause and direct impact on human health

Zinc is the 24th most abundant element on Earth. It is an essential trace element for humans. Zinc is found in nearly 300 specific enzymes (1); is the second most abundant transition metal in organisms after iron; and is the only metal which appears in all enzyme classes, meaning it plays a role in virtually all functions of an organism.

It is estimated that zinc deficiency affects 2 billion people in the world. Zinc deficiency is primarily due to insufficient dietary intake and malabsorption. Symptoms of mild zinc deficiency are diverse. Clinical outcomes include depressed growth, diarrhea, impotence and delayed sexual …read more