An important micronutrient for human growth, development along with proper functioning of the immune system is zinc. Deficiency of zinc can impair the overall immune function and resistance to various infections. Mild to moderate zinc deficiency can be distinguished through a positive response to supplementation trials. In various trials, supplementation of zinc has been reported to have a positive and beneficial effect on the occurrence of diarrhoea (18% reduction) and pneumonia (41% reduction) and may lead to a decrease in the prevalence of malaria.

Zinc supplementation has been proven to decrease the duration of diarrhoea by 15%. Also, Maternal zinc supplementation might result in decrease in infant infections. Studies evaluating the role of zinc supplementation in individuals with tuberculosis, HIV and common cold are not yet definite. Two clinical studies have reported that zinc supplementation can decrease child mortality by more than 50%.

Thus, zinc supplementation evidently has an important role in infant and childhood infections. Awareness programs to increase the intake of zinc supplementation among deficient children and adults are needed.

Source: Fischer Walker C, Black RE. Zinc and the risk for infectious disease. Annu Rev Nutr. 2004; 24:255-75. doi: 10.1146/annurev.nutr.23.011702.073054. PMID: 15189121.