Zinc deficiency is associated with which of the following?

Zinc deficiency is associated with which of the following?

• A. Delayed growth and hypogonadism
• B. Osteoporosis
• C. Anemia
• D. Night blindness

Answer: (A)

Zinc is essential for growth and reproductive development, acting as a cofactor for enzymes involved in DNA synthesis, cell division, and hormone signaling. When zinc is deficient, growth slows in children and puberty can be delayed, leading to hypogonadism in males due to impaired testicular function and hormone production. The other options don’t fit as typical signs: night blindness is linked to vitamin A deficiency, osteoporosis to calcium and vitamin D/bone metabolism, and anemia is not a hallmark symptom of zinc deficiency (though severe deficiency can contribute). Thus, delayed growth and hypogonadism is the best association.

Zinc is essential for growth and reproductive development, acting as a cofactor for enzymes involved in DNA synthesis, cell division, and hormone signaling. When zinc is deficient, growth slows in children and puberty can be delayed, leading to hypogonadism in males due to impaired testicular function and hormone production. The other options don’t fit as typical signs: night blindness is linked to vitamin A deficiency, osteoporosis to calcium and vitamin D/bone metabolism, and anemia is not a hallmark symptom of zinc deficiency (though severe deficiency can contribute). Thus, delayed growth and hypogonadism is the best association.