Zinc has been recognized as an important nutrient for over 100 years, but it was not until children in Egypt, and Iran were found to have problems due to zinc deficiency. Zinc, like iron, is important as a part of many enzymes that help to make proteins and process the genetic codes. Therefore, it is not surprising that a zinc deficiency can cause a lag in growth and sexual development, and in the very young, a lag in brain growth as well. Diarrhea, a poor appetite and decreased resistance to infection may result, because of the importance of zinc in forming skin and hair, its lack may cause skin rashes, hair loss and poor wound healing to develop, too.
Even the most common cause of a zinc deficiency appear to be rare, however, fish and meats are good sources of zinc, since the availability of zinc is high in fiber and phytates (phosphorus compounds found primarily in cereal grains, legumes, and nuts), and the zinc in grain is often removed in milling. So a child’s supply of zinc will depend on his diet. If a child has severe diarrhea or poor absorption, excess sweating or kidney disease, his requirements for zinc will increase. Detecting zinc deficiency is still a formidable task if the blood levels are normal. Hair samples have been collected for zinc levels in adults and can show a mild, ongoing deficiency, but our knowledge of the amount of zinc in children’s hair is still limited.
Even the most common cause of a zinc deficiency appear to be rare, however, fish and meats are good sources of zinc, since the availability of zinc is high in fiber and phytates (phosphorus compounds found primarily in cereal grains, legumes, and nuts), and the zinc in grain is often removed in milling. So a child’s supply of zinc will depend on his diet. If a child has severe diarrhea or poor absorption, excess sweating or kidney disease, his requirements for zinc will increase. Detecting zinc deficiency is still a formidable task if the blood levels are normal. Hair samples have been collected for zinc levels in adults and can show a mild, ongoing deficiency, but our knowledge of the amount of zinc in children’s hair is still limited.
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