Zinc - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

Zinc is essential for several biological processes including those critical for the immune system, DNA synthesis, cell division, and growth. Zinc is involved in the pathophysiology of chronic diseases and protects proteins and lipids from oxidative damage. Inadequate zinc intake and low plasma zinc concentration are associated to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes; however, the evidence is limited. Zinc deficiency increases the risk of infections and poor growth and may contribute to the high burden of infectious diseases and stunting in children living in low- and middle-income countries. The risk of zinc deficiency in the populations of the Nordic and Baltic countries is low.