Zinc

In the human body, zinc is essential for many biological operations. About 2-3 grams of zinc is present in an adult body. A human body needs zinc for the proper functioning of several proteins and enzymes. Also, zinc provides protection to human and plant cells from the damaging effect of toxic-free radicals. An adult woman is advised to take 12 milligrams of zinc daily, while men should consume 15 milligrams every day.

Around one-third of the population worldwide is zinc deficient. Physical and neural growth and development, brain function, memory and learning ability can get impaired due to zinc deficiency in early life. In case of severe zinc deficiency, a person may suffer from stunting, poor immune response, lack of normal sexual development, skin disorders, and anorexia.

As per UNICEF, zinc deficiency causes ~450,000 deaths or 4.4% of children under five years of age on a global level. WHO has also highlighted that zinc deficiency is the fifth major cause of death and disease in developing nations.

Coating of zinc over tools, machinery and other assets made of steel helps to prolong their life. Hot-dip galvanized products ensure protection against corrosion for about 10 years to 170 years.

The global cost of corrosion totals US$2.5 trillion. These costs can be reduced by a major factor zinc is used to elongate the service life of steel. It will protect valuable steel from corrosion.

Low crop yield is one of the alarming situations arising out of zinc-deficient soils in key agricultural zones. This problem can be addressed with the use of zinc fertilisers and boost agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner. Also, zinc fertilisers can be utilised to increase grain zinc concentration. This will help in improving the daily zinc intake of human populations.