Zinc is an important mineral needed by the
body. Its main function in our body is for growth and development, and also for
proper immune function. Aside from these, it also plays a role in wound healing
and normal sense of taste.
A deficiency in zinc can cause many
problems because of its many functions in the body. Some symptoms of the
deficiency include hair loss, growth retardation and loss of sense of taste and
smell. These symptoms can vary from person to person.
Little is known about the zinc status or
the magnitude of zinc deficiency in the Filipino population.
Because of this, a study was done by the
Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and
Technology (FNRI-DOST) to know the risk of zinc deficiency among the Filipino
population. Serum zinc was used to determine the zinc status of the population
because it is known as the best biomarker for zinc.
The study aimed to determine the zinc
levels and magnitude of deficiency among selected population groups like the
infants and preschool children six months to five years old, female adolescents
13-19 years, elderly males and females 60 years old and over, and pregnant
women.
Based on the results, the prevalence of
zinc deficiency was 21.6 and 20.6 percent, for infants and preschoolers, as
well as female adolescents, respectively. The prevalence among pregnant women
was 21.5 percent. The elderly males had the highest prevalence at 33.6 percent
while the elderly females had 24.5 percent prevalence.
The prevalence of zinc deficiency was of
high magnitude at equal or more than 20 percent among the selected population
groups. Of all the population groups included in the study, the elderly had the
highest prevalence of zinc deficiency.
The zinc status of these population groups
is a public health. It must be ensured that the daily nutrient requirement for
zinc is always met to avoid metabolic disorders mentioned.
Based on the Recommended Energy and
Nutrient Intakes (RENI) for Filipinos developed by the FNRI-DOST, each age
group has a different requirement for zinc every day.
It is important that the requirement is
met to prevent zinc deficiency. The chart below presents the requirements for
zinc for the different age groups and gender per day:
|
Population Group
|
Zinc (mg)
|
|
Infants
From birth up to < 6 months
From 6 months to < 12 months
|
1.4
4.2
|
|
Children
1 year old to 3 years old
4 years old to 6 years old
6 years old to 9 years old
|
4.5
5.4
5.4
|
|
Males
10 years old to 12 years old
13 years old to 15 years old
16 years old to 18 years old
19 years old to 29 years old
30 years old to 49 years old
50 years old to 64 years old
65 years old and up
|
6.8
9.0
8.9
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
|
|
Females
10 years old to 12 years old
13 years old to 15 years old
16 years old to 18 years old
19 years old to 29 years old
30 years old to 49 years old
50 years old to 64 years old
65 years old and up
|
6.0
7.9
7.0
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
|
|
Pregnant
women
1st trimester
2nd trimester
3rd trimester
|
5.1
6.6
9.6
|
|
Lactating
women
1st six months
2nd six months
|
11.5
11.5
|
Reference:
Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes (RENI), 2002
Rich food sources of zinc include milk,
meats, poultry, nuts, legumes and whole grain cereals.
But the absorption of zinc can be
inhibited by high concentration of fiber and phytates. Fiber is found mainly in
fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, phytates are common in legumes and
nuts. This compound can bind zinc, thereby inhibiting its absorption.
Strict vegetarians can possibly be at-risk
for zinc deficiency because of excessive intake of vegetables.
A well-balanced diet consumed in recommended
amounts can provide the daily requirements not only for zinc, but for all the
nutrients needed by the body.
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