A leading expert in community nutrition, Professor Wasiu Afolabi of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, has raised serious concerns about the widespread impact of zinc deficiency among pregnant women. According to Prof. Afolabi, who is also the immediate past President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), a lack of adequate zinc during pregnancy can trigger a series of harmful consequences, including impaired development in unborn babies and poor health outcomes for mothers.
In an exclusive interview, Prof. Afolabi highlighted the critical role that zinc plays in supporting fetal development and maternal well-being. He explained that although zinc deficiency can affect individuals of all ages, women and children are particularly at risk due to physiological demands linked to reproduction and growth.
Zinc Deficiency a Major Threat to Pregnancy Health
Prof. Afolabi underscored that during pregnancy, zinc is essential for the healthy development of a child’s organs and tissues. A deficiency at this vital stage can disrupt the normal maturation process of a fetus, resulting in structural and functional complications.
“Zinc is a key micronutrient involved in numerous physiological processes,” he said. “Its absence during pregnancy can delay the development of the fetus’s organs and systems, and in severe cases, it can lead to intrauterine growth restriction. This means the baby does not grow properly in the womb, which often results in low birth weight and an increased risk of early life complications.”
He warned that zinc deficiency not only endangers the baby’s development but also increases the chances of poor pregnancy outcomes for the mother. Complications such as premature labor, low birth weight, and even stillbirth can be triggered by insufficient zinc intake during gestation.
Impaired Growth and Sexual Maturity in Children
The nutrition professor explained that the adverse effects of zinc deficiency extend beyond birth. He pointed out that children born to zinc-deficient mothers may experience stunted growth, weakened immune responses, and delayed sexual maturation.
“Children who lack adequate zinc in their early developmental stages may face long-term issues,” Prof. Afolabi said. “Delayed onset of puberty, which can sometimes lead to infertility in adulthood, is one such problem. Zinc is directly involved in the synthesis and metabolism of proteins, and if the body doesn’t receive enough, it can interfere with normal growth patterns and organ functionality.”
He also highlighted that a visible symptom of zinc deficiency in children and adults could include unexplained weight loss, which often points to deeper metabolic dysfunction.
Physical Symptoms and Immune System Impairment
According to the professor, zinc plays a vital role in maintaining skin health, immune function, and sensory perception. Deficiency can manifest in several physical symptoms, including hair loss, persistent diarrhea, impaired taste and smell, and open skin lesions.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to zinc supplements,” he recalled. “That’s because zinc helps in strengthening the immune system and restoring senses like taste and smell, which were affected by the virus. Zinc isn’t just important during infection—it is critical throughout pregnancy to prevent adverse health outcomes.”
Zinc Deficiency Worsens Child Mortality Rates
The implications of zinc deficiency during pregnancy go far beyond individual health concerns. Prof. Afolabi noted that the problem contributes significantly to high infant mortality rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
“When zinc is lacking, and women deliver preterm babies, these infants often have a lower survival rate,” he said. “Premature babies are already vulnerable due to underdeveloped organs, and when they are born in environments with limited medical resources, their chances of survival drop significantly. That’s why addressing zinc deficiency is crucial to lowering infant death rates.”
Call for Zinc-Rich Diets Among Pregnant Women
To counter these health threats, Prof. Afolabi urged pregnant women to increase their intake of foods rich in zinc, especially animal-based sources that offer high bioavailability. He recommended regularly including items such as beef, chicken, eggs, and fish in their diet to ensure sufficient zinc levels.
“Animal sources are the most reliable for zinc absorption,” he said. “While some plant-based foods also contain zinc, factors like phytates can inhibit absorption. Pregnant women need to be mindful of this and work with nutritionists to develop balanced diets.”
Global Perspective: A Widespread Problem
Zinc deficiency is not just a national issue—it is a global health concern. A 2019 research publication in the BioMed Central (BMC) journal revealed that at least 17% of the world’s population is at risk of inadequate zinc intake, with the highest burden observed in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
The article reported that in 2011, zinc deficiency was responsible for approximately 116,000 child deaths and accounted for nearly 20% of prenatal mortality worldwide. In Africa alone, it contributed to 14.4% of diarrheal deaths, 10.4% of malaria deaths, and 6.7% of pneumonia-related fatalities among children aged six months to five years. The research also found that zinc deficiency ranged from 9.5% in industrialized nations to as high as 33.5% in developing regions.
Final Word: Prevention Through Awareness and Nutrition
Prof. Afolabi emphasized the importance of education and public health interventions to combat the prevalence of zinc deficiency, especially among pregnant women. He advocated for widespread nutrition education and access to zinc supplements where dietary intake falls short.
“This is a preventable crisis,” he concluded. “With the right awareness and commitment from public health authorities, we can reduce the devastating effects of zinc deficiency. It starts with ensuring every pregnant woman understands the importance of proper nutrition for her health and the future of her child.”
By taking proactive steps—through dietary changes, supplementation, and health education—countries can improve maternal and child health outcomes and significantly reduce the burden of zinc-related complications.
