Zinc is integral to many functions in the human body; consequences of deficiency can be severe. Zinc deficiency hinders and absorption, causing diarrhea, which further contributes to deficiency in zinc and other nutrients.

The correct answer is b. Zinc is integral to many functions in the human body; consequences of deficiency can be severe. Zinc deficiency hinders digestion and absorption, causing diarrhea, which further contributes to deficiency in zinc and other nutrients.

Explanation:

Zinc is an indispensable component for the normal function of catalytic, structural and regulatory enzymes. It also participates in gene expression, DNA and RNA metabolism, protein synthesis, and in the binding of some hormones to their receptors. It is essential for maintaining protein structure, growth, fertility, vitamin A metabolism, hormone metabolism, immune response, wound healing, sense of taste and appetite.Zinc deficiency can originate as a result of an inadequate dietary intake, especially in periods of increased requirements, such as periods of rapid growth (childhood and adolescence), due to malabsorption, increased losses and / or impediments in its use. However, in most cases the primary cause of zinc deficiency is an inadequate intake of absorbable zinc, which commonly occurs as a result of the combination of a low dietary intake and frequent consumption of foods low in this element and / or poorly absorbable forms of zinc. Clinical signs include dermatitis, alopecia (hair loss), anorexia (loss of appetite), weight loss, and recurrent infections. More than half of these also have intermittent diarrhea. On the other hand, children with acute diarrhea have lower absorption of zinc and lose it through the stool in increased amounts. Therefore, children with diarrhea are at higher risk of developing zinc deficiency, which in turn will result in more severe diarrhea, creating a vicious cycle.