Addressing the global, life-long health impacts of zinc deficiency: A call to action

Zinc is a crucial micronutrient for good health, and zinc deficiency is one of the most common forms of micronutrient malnutrition globally—an estimated 17% of people worldwide are at risk of inadequate zinc intake, and that figure reaches 19% and 24% in Asia and Africa, respectively. Zinc deficiency is a cause of stunting (low growth for age), compromised immunity, and cognitive impairment among children; growing evidence shows it is also an important factor in the global burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adulthood.