This essential element is of established importance in both human and animal nutrition.
Zinc deficiency restricts growth and normal development.
Numerous enzymes are zinc metalloproteins and many stages of both protein and nucleic acid synthesis are dependent on zinc metalloenzymes. In malnourished children the rate of regain of lean body mass is related to the level of dietary zinc provision. Failure of adequate zinc supply during the recovery phase when there is tissue regrowth, can precipitate acute signs of zinc deficiency. This has been particularly observed when intravenous feeding is used with inadequate zinc content. An identical presentation is noted in children with a congenital defect of intestinal zinc absorption, a condition know as acrodermatitis enteropathica, which responds dramatically to oral zinc supplementation.