TY - JOUR T1 - Essential role of vitamin C and zinc in child immunity and health. AU - Maggini,S, AU - Wenzlaff,S, AU - Hornig,D, PY - 2010/6/3/entrez PY - 2010/6/3/pubmed PY - 2010/7/16/medline SP - 386 EP - 414 JF - The Journal of international medical research JO - J Int Med Res VL - 38 IS - 2 N2 - With the progressive elimination of dietary protein-energy deficits, deficiencies of micronutrients are emerging as the limiting factors in ensuring children's optimal health. Data from several countries in Asia and Latin America indicate that deficiencies of vitamin C and zinc continue to be at alarming levels. This article reviews the roles of vitamin C and zinc in supporting children's growth and development, with a particular focus on the complementary roles they play in supporting immune functions and combating infections. The contemporary relevance of vitamin C and zinc deficiency in the Asian and Latin American regions, both undergoing a rapid nutritional transition, are also discussed. Overall, there is increasing evidence that deficiency of vitamin C and zinc adversely affects the physical and mental growth of children and can impair their immune defences. Nutrition should be the main vehicle for providing these essential nutrients; however, supplementation can represent a valid support method, especially in developing regions. SN - 0300-0605 UR - https://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/citation/20515554/full_citation L2 - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/147323001003800203?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub=pubmed DB - PRIME DP - Unbound Medicine ER -