By Pavan Kaushik
Zinc deficiency is a global health problem. In spite of proven benefits of adequate Zinc nutrition, approximately 2 billion people still remain at the risk of Zinc deficiency.
Dietary Sources of Zinc
Zinc is supplied to the body through a diversified diet including meats, nuts, eggs, spinach, fish, mushrooms, and other foods. These sources of zinc can be inaccessible to people in developing countries.
Vulnerability to Zinc Deficiency
Children are especially vulnerable to zinc deficiency, which weakens their immune system, making them prone to diarrhea and pneumonia, the most common causes of death in developing countries.
Impact on Child Health
Surprisingly, India contributes to the largest child deaths in the world. Zinc deficiency also leads to retarded growth, development, and stunting, with life-long impacts on health, productivity, and income.
Global Risk of Zinc Deficiency
According to the Food and Health Organization (FAO), one third of the world’s population lives in countries that have a high risk of zinc deficiency, with India being one of them. The most vulnerable are infants, young children, pregnant and lactating women due to their elevated requirements for zinc.
Solutions for Zinc Deficiency
Affordable approaches to eliminate zinc deficiency exist and need to be implemented urgently. Zinc can be added to mineral pre-mixes used in fortification programs and preventive zinc supplementation can be given to children under 5 years old in high-risk countries. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months provides an excellent source of zinc for infants. Additionally, applying agricultural and food processing technologies can increase the amount of absorbable zinc in staple foods.
Point is we do understand that we need Zinc but how many of us actually demand it.
Hindustan Zinc is India’s only and world’s leading Zinc-Lead-Silver Producer.
About the author
Pavan Kaushik heads Corporate Communications at Hindustan Zinc
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