Zinc deficiency is a worldwide risk and has been attributed to be the fifth leading risk factor for disease in the developing world. 

Overall, even conservative estimates suggest that 25% of the world’s population is at risk of zinc deficiency. Up to 73% of the population is at risk in certain countries. but also affecting distinct populations in the developed world as a result of lifestyle, age, and disease-mediated factors.

Consequently, zinc status is a critical factor that can influence antiviral immunity, particularly as zinc-deficient populations are often most at risk of acquiring viral infections such as HIV or hepatitis C virus.

Lack of zinc may result in poor vision at night, slow healing of wounds, a decrease in sense of taste and smell, a reduced ability to fight infections and poor development of reproductive organs. 

In children it causes growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, infection susceptibility and diarrhea, contributing to the death of about 800,000 children worldwide per year.

Most men, later in life, can develop a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is an enlargement of the prostate gland.

This swelling pinches the urethra, the duct by which urine is conveyed out of the body from the bladder, causing a condition known as insufficiency which is characterized by needing to urinate, but not being able to, except a few dribbles in some cases.

The prostate gland stores zinc, which not only prevents prostate enlargement but may also help to shrink a prostate gland that’s already swollen.