Role of zinc in pubertal maturation and immune function during adolescence: A review

Zinc is an essential trace element required for normal growth, sexual maturation, and optimal immune function. Adolescence represents a critical window of rapid physical growth and physiological transformation, during which zinc requirements are substantially increased. Inadequate zinc intake or poor bioavailability during this stage may result in delayed pubertal development, impaired immune responses, and increased susceptibility to infections. This review synthesizes recent scientific evidence on zinc metabolism, dietary requirements, biological mechanisms involved in pubertal maturation, and its regulatory role in innate and adaptive immunity among adolescents. The prevalence of zinc deficiency, particularly in low- and middle-income countries including India, is discussed along with assessment methods, dietary sources, and public health interventions. Emphasis is placed on the role of diet diversification, supplementation, and food fortification strategies to improve zinc status in adolescents. Understanding the multifaceted role of zinc is essential for dietitians, clinicians, and public health professionals to design effective nutritional interventions aimed at improving adolescent health and long-term wellbeing.