In Bangladesh, over 40 percent children under five are stunted while an estimated 44 percent children of the same age group are at risk of zinc deficiency.
42.
Thus zinc deficiency results in disruption of hundreds of metabolic pathways, causing numerous clinical manifestations, including impaired growth and development, and disruption of reproductive and immune function.
43.
An important protein for T-cell development and specialization, thymulin, is dependent on zinc to be activated, meaning zinc deficiency will lower the quality and quantity of T-cells.
44.
The mechanisms for the clinical manifestations of zinc deficiency are best appreciated by recognizing that zinc functions in the body in three areas : catalytic, structural, and regulatory.
45.
Zinc deficiency can be classified as acute, as may occur during prolonged inappropriate zinc-free total parenteral nutrition; or chronic, as may occur in dietary deficiency or inadequate absorption.
46.
Zinc deficiency, on the other hand, has been found to interrupt normal immune function by providing a reversible atrophy of lymphoid tissues including the thymus, spleen and lymph nodes.
47.
Such illnesses can be especially serious for infants, and are more common in babies with low birth weights, who also might be more prone to zinc deficiency, the researchers said.
48.
This process can therefore contribute to iron and zinc deficiencies in people whose diets rely on these foods for their mineral intake, such as those in developing countries and vegetarians.
49.
It is not just the total amount of calories that matters but specific nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency or zinc deficiency can also increase risk of death.
50.
While zinc deficiency in the United States is not a big problem, internationally " it's an incredibly important issue, " said Dr . Robert Goldenberg, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.