Clinical signs of zinc deficiency include hair loss, dermatitis, skin lesions, and the loss of taste and smell acuity. In experimental animals, gestational zinc deficiency can cause a range of congenital anomalies ranging from facial deformities to hydroencephalus and anencephaly.
Diarrhea is common in zinc-deficient populations.
Numerous studies have shown that the immune system is particularly sensitive to dietary zinc deficiency. Varying degrees of severity of zinc deficiency in humans has been identified in populations within developing countries and in the United States. To strengthen the professional relationship between investigators in Ecuador and myself. To obtain a more informed understanding of the available resources in Ecuador for research. To identify potential problems I may encounter in performing research in Ecuador.