Zinc: a perinatal point of view.

Zinc is a metal with great nutritional importance, particularly during periods of rapid growth due to its intervention in cellular replication as well as in the development of the immune response. A review of studies by several authors trying to determine the normal behaviour of zinc during pregnancy and early infancy is done, in an attempt to establish adequate circulating levels, in order to be able to identify zinc deficiency correctly and provide appropriate treatment. However, the information is very contradictory and no real conclusion can be reached.