Dietary Availability of Zinc in Milligrams Per Person Per Day
Zinc is a critical nutrient for immune function, growth, and overall health. The availability of dietary zinc varies across countries, reflecting differences in dietary sources and agricultural practices.
Which country has the highest dietary zinc availability?
Azerbaijan leads globally with a dietary zinc availability of 16.82 mg per person per day, showcasing its zinc-rich dietary sources and agricultural emphasis.
Top countries by dietary zinc availability
1. Azerbaijan: 16.82 mg
2. Niger: 15.31 mg
3. Denmark: 14.84 mg
4. Ireland: 14.27 mg
5. New Zealand: 14.05 mg
Why is zinc availability important for health?
Zinc plays a vital role in immune system function, wound healing, and cell division. Countries with higher zinc availability generally exhibit better public health outcomes related to immunity and development.
How does dietary zinc availability vary globally?
Countries like Azerbaijan and Niger have significantly higher zinc availability due to diets rich in zinc-heavy foods such as meat, nuts, and grains. In contrast, countries like Thailand and the Philippines have lower zinc availability, often reflecting dietary limitations or lower access to zinc-rich foods.
Which regions rank lowest in dietary zinc availability?
Countries like Thailand (2.95 mg) and the Philippines (3.34 mg) rank among the lowest globally in dietary zinc availability, highlighting nutritional gaps and limited access to diverse food sources.
How do developed countries rank in dietary zinc availability?
Developed nations like Denmark (14.84 mg) and Ireland (14.27 mg) rank high due to diets rich in animal products and fortified foods. The United States also ranks moderately high with 10.59 mg.
How does dietary zinc availability impact global health?
Regions with low dietary zinc availability often face increased risks of stunted growth, immune deficiencies, and other health challenges. Targeted nutrition programs and food fortification are essential for addressing these disparities.
What are the global trends in dietary zinc availability?
Developed countries typically have higher zinc availability due to better food systems and access to zinc-rich foods. Emerging economies are focusing on enhancing agricultural practices and food fortification to improve zinc levels in diets.
