| Zinc is the most abundant intracellular trace element and is a component in over 300 metalloenzymes playing key roles in cell membrane stability, cell replication, immunity and antioxidant activities, amongst other functions. the syndrome of zinc deficiency is characterised by dwarfism, hypogonadism, hepatosplenomegaly, dermatitis, an associated iron deficiency anaemia and immune impairment leading to parasitism and early death from bacterial and viral infections. Milder zinc deficiency also causes clinical effects. |