UNDERSTANDING ZINC - RECENT OBSERVATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS

Zinc plays a key role in genetic expression, cell division, and growth and is essential for function of more than 200 enzymes. Effects of de ficiency Include stunting, anergy, dermatitis, poor healing, teratolog y, and neuropsychologic impairments. Risk of deficiency is related to level of anabolism and food choice. Bioavailability is greater from fl esh foods than foods of plant origin. Pharmacologic intakes of zinc lo wer copper retention and impair copper-dependent processes. Pharmacolo gic intakes of folate impair zinc metabolism and may cause abnormal pr egnancy outcomes. A recent review suggests zinc deficiency is common a mong populations of developing countries, particularly those that am d eficient in iron