ZINC DEFICIENCY

Zinc Deficiency and Malnutrition in Children in Developing Countries

Zinc Deficiency and Malnutrition in Children in Developing Countries

Introduction

In Bangladeshi children, it has been shown that increased paracellular permeability of the intestinal mucosa, an index of abnormal tissue integrity, caused by proliferating invasive pathogens, such as Vibrio cholerae and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, is reduced by a supplementation of 5 mg/kg zinc for 2 wk (Roy and Tomkins, 1989, 1-7). Similarly, alterations in intestinal paracellular permeability induced by a low protein (4%) diet in guinea pigs could be reversed by the addition of high zinc concentrations (Rodriguez et al., 1996, 416-422). In humans, the recovery from protein-energy malnutrition with a high protein diet alone may not be as effective as the same treatment supplemented with zinc.

Important caveats have recently been raised about the amount of supplemental zinc to be provided. Among children admitted to a nutritional rehabilitation unit in Bangladesh, those who received 6 mg/kg of zinc for either 15 or 30 d failed to grow at a greater rate than those who received 1.5 mg/kg for 15 d and had a higher mortality rate than the latter group. The cause of this unexpected outcome is yet unclear, although the reasons why high zinc administration may have deleterious effects have been previously examined. At a minimum, the data suggest that health maintenance and recovery from malnutrition may not be approached with similar dietary prescriptions.

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

There are many symptoms that clearly show signs of zinc deficiency. As soon as you see any of these symptoms, you need to take the necessary steps to respond.

Zinc is essential for the growth of micro-organisms, plants, animals, and human beings. It is useful for the body in many ways and carries out various functions, such as cell growth and division, and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and energy. It also helps in curing skin problems such as acne, boils, and also sore throat. Zinc is also responsible for the growth and maintenance of the muscles.

Zinc deficiency (hypozincemia) is caused due to lack of zinc in the body. Zinc is needed for certain metabolic functions. If the proportion of zinc in the body is low, it can become a major cause for genetic disorders.

Abnormal Growth

Zinc deficiency can cause both abnormal mental and physical growth in children. If a mother does not have appropriate proportion of zinc in her body when she is pregnant, it can affect the unborn child and lead to many abnormalities at birth. The physical growth of the child may stop or slow down; this may also result in dwarfism. The child may also have some mental and psychological problems, as his brain is not developing in a normal way.

Hypogonadism

It is a medical term used for improper functioning of the reproductive system that results in a defect in the proper operation of gonads (ovaries or testes). The gonads have two functions: to produce hormones and to produce eggs or sperms. The deficiency of sex and reproductive hormones can result in defective primary or secondary sexual ...