A very essential micronutrient for growth and proper immune function of the body is zinc. Currently, there is no simple recommendation for the evaluation of the population-level of zinc deficiency. Trials of supplementation of zinc have shown positive effects of supplementation on clinical results and growth.

The results of randomized trials of supplementation of zinc and associated studies that had assessed the infectious diseases, growth and development consequences in children under the age of 5 years were reviewed. The results showed that zinc supplementation reduces the occurrence and incidence of diarrhea and pneumonia; however, the use of trial data to make population-level estimates of zinc deficiency is impractical and difficult to measure.

The data indicates that zinc supplementation can increase the growth, particularly among children who have stunted growth. Stunting rates are generally assessed and used to evaluate zinc deficiency. Earlier recommendations have suggested that stunting rates at or more than 20% should be suggestive of zinc deficiency among children under 5 years of age. Thus, this review offers additional data and study to support the current recommendation of zinc supplementation.

Source: Fischer Walker CL, Black RE. Functional indicators for assessing zinc deficiency. Food Nutr Bull. 2007;28(3 Suppl):S454-S479. doi:10.1177/15648265070283s305