Deficiência de zinco: diagnóstico, estimativas do Brasil e prevenção

Abstract

Objectives: To highlight the main aspects related to the population diagnosis of zinc nutritional status, describe the estimates of zinc deficiency magnitude in Brazil and emphasize the main interventions for improving zinc nutritional status. Data source: Publications were selected in SciELO, LILACS and MEDLINE/PUBMED databases, using the search terms “zinc deficiency e Brazil” and “diet supplementation and zinc and Brazil”. Data synthesis: The use of a set of three indicators has been recommended to obtain the best estimate of zinc deficiency risk: i) biochemical indicator (serum zinc deficiency), ii) dietary indicator (inadequate zinc intake), iii) functional indicator (height-for-age deficit in children). According to these indicators, Brazil is a country with moderate zinc deficiency risk. The main strategies that can be implemented to improve zinc nutritional state in populations or population subgroups in risk are diet supplementation, fortification and modification/diversification. Conclusions: It is estimated that zinc deficiency is a public health problem in Brazil. The planning of new research becomes important for a better understanding of the risk factors, the identification of population groups with more vulnerability and the selection of appropriate intervention strategies