This paper provides an integrative review of zinc's biochemical and physiological functions, metabolism, bioavailability, human requirements, high-risk groups, consequences and causes of zinc deficiency, evaluation of zinc status, and prevention strategies. Zinc deficiency, first recognized in 1961, is a significant malnutrition problem, particularly in areas with high cereal consumption and low animal food intake. The diet's bioavailability plays a crucial role in zinc absorption, with phytic acid being the primary inhibitor. Infants, children, adolescents, pregnant, and lactating women have increased zinc requirements and are at higher risk of zinc depletion. Zinc deficiency during growth periods leads to growth failure and affects various organ systems, including the epidermal, gastrointestinal, central nervous, immune, skeletal, and reproductive systems. Clinical diagnosis of marginal zinc deficiency remains challenging, with blood plasma/serum zinc concentration, dietary intake, and stunting prevalence being the best indicators. Four main intervention strategies—dietary modification/diversification, supplementation, fortification, and bio-fortification—are discussed, each chosen based on resource availability, technical feasibility, target group, and social acceptance. The paper also reviews the role of zinc transporters, homeostasis, excretion, and the impact of dietary factors on zinc absorption.This paper provides an integrative review of zinc's biochemical and physiological functions, metabolism, bioavailability, human requirements, high-risk groups, consequences and causes of zinc deficiency, evaluation of zinc status, and prevention strategies. Zinc deficiency, first recognized in 1961, is a significant malnutrition problem, particularly in areas with high cereal consumption and low animal food intake. The diet's bioavailability plays a crucial role in zinc absorption, with phytic acid being the primary inhibitor. Infants, children, adolescents, pregnant, and lactating women have increased zinc requirements and are at higher risk of zinc depletion. Zinc deficiency during growth periods leads to growth failure and affects various organ systems, including the epidermal, gastrointestinal, central nervous, immune, skeletal, and reproductive systems. Clinical diagnosis of marginal zinc deficiency remains challenging, with blood plasma/serum zinc concentration, dietary intake, and stunting prevalence being the best indicators. Four main intervention strategies—dietary modification/diversification, supplementation, fortification, and bio-fortification—are discussed, each chosen based on resource availability, technical feasibility, target group, and social acceptance. The paper also reviews the role of zinc transporters, homeostasis, excretion, and the impact of dietary factors on zinc absorption.