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Zinc Deficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean
Zinc deficiency is prevalent in children and women across Latin America and the Caribbean. High dietary zinc inadequacy and stunting indicate a significant public health concern in the region.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional epidemiology
- Public health
- Global health
Background:
- Zinc deficiency impacts critical life cycle functions, particularly growth.
- Limited data exists on the extent of zinc deficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current prevalence of zinc deficiency in LAC.
- To evaluate the risk factors associated with zinc deficiency in the region.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of national serum zinc concentration data.
- Estimation of zinc deficiency risk using dietary inadequacy and stunting prevalence in children under 5.
Main Results:
- Four LAC countries showed high zinc deficiency prevalence (19.1%–56.3%) in children and women.
- Belize, Bolivia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines face the highest risk.
- Zinc inadequacy strongly correlated with stunting (r = 0.64, p < .001).
Conclusions:
- National surveys confirm high zinc deficiency prevalence in LAC children and women.
- Most LAC countries exhibit high rates of dietary zinc inadequacy and stunting, signaling a widespread issue.
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