Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnamese people are zinc deficient at an alarming rate,especially pregnant women and young children.

The information was announced at a recent symposium to welcome VietnamMicronutrient Day (June 1-2).

A survey conducted in 2015 showed that nearly 70 percent ofchildren under five suffer from zinc deficiency. Children from mountainousareas are most affected, at 80.8 percent. The figures are 71.6 percent forchildren in rural areas and 49.7 percent for children in urban areas.

Zinc deficiency is also common among women. About 64 percent ofwomen of reproductive age are zinc deficient while the rate is 80 percent forpregnant women.

Zinc is an essential mineral which affects many organ systems,including the immune, skeletal, reproductive, and central nervous systems.

“Zinc is involved in the activity of more than 200 enzymes in thebody, which affects the height and intellectual development of a child. Zincdeficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of complications,” said Dr TranKhanh Van, deputy head of Micronutrient Department of the National Institute ofNutrition (NIN).

Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lam, NIN vice director, added thatzinc deficiency may also result in malnutrition, being underweight, loss ofappetite, sleep disorder, and disturbed sleep.

The body does not produce zinc so people have to absorb zinc fromfood.

According to a NIN report, Vietnamese people’s daily mealsgenerally provide enough energy and protein but not enough vitamins andminerals.

This is the main reason for zinc deficiency.

An average infant should consume 2-3 milligrams of zinc daily,while a 4-8kg child should consume 5mg. Adult men should aim to consumeabout 11 milligrams of zinc daily, while adult women need about 8 milligrams.Pregnant women and nursing women require 11 to 12 milligrams and 12 to 13milligrams per day, respectively.

According to experts, zinc deficiency can be treated by increasingintake of zinc through the diet or through zinc supplements.

The mineral is present in many foods and is especially rich inseafood like oysters, shrimp, or crab; meat like pork, chicken, or egg yolks,peanuts and pumpkin seeds.

Zinc is, however, not the only mineral that Vietnamese people’smeals lack.

According to NIN, the diets of Vietnamese people have led to thedeficiency of various important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A,iodine, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.

Vitamins and minerals are needed in tiny quantities, but theirabsence can be devastating.

“Micronutrient deficiency is considered a “hidden-hunger” withfar-reaching consequences, such as physical and intellectual growthretardation, or a decrease in reproductive and working capability,” Dr Vansaid.

Dr Van said people of all ages are prone to micronutrientdeficiency, but those at high risk are young children and pregnant women.

About 13 percent of children under five suffer from preclinicalvitamin A deficiency. According to experts, their meals only provide about 65 percentof the amount needed.

Meanwhile, 34.8 percent of nursing women have low rate of vitaminA in their milk for the same reason.

Anemia appears in 27.8 percent of children under five and 32.8 percentof pregnant women.

Doctors recommend that people increase their intake ofmicronutrients by having a diverse diet and eating micronutrient-rich food.

“This is a simple, yet effective and substantial method to solvethe micronutrient deficiency situation and increase people’s health and livingquality,” said Associate Professor Truong Tuyet Mai, NIN vice director, addingthat communication and education should be used to raise the awareness of peopleon micronutrient-rich foods.-VNA