Zinc Deficiency among Indian Children

An important essential trace element found in every tissue of the human body is zinc. The pervasive role of zinc in the metabolic function of the body results from its function as a cofactor of a multitude of enzymes. As zinc metalloenzymes are found in every known class of enzymes, the element plays an important function in every conceivable biochemical pathway. It is now clearly established that zinc confers no additional benefits to an individual with adequate zinc status while it can potentially lead to harmful effects by disturbing the milieu of other trace metals in the body. Information on the zinc status of Indian children is meager perhaps due to lack of reliable parameters. The present paper briefly discusses the extent, causes and effects of zinc deficiency among Indian children, along with its biomarkers and supplementation.