Zinc is essential for human health and is a key nutrient for growth, development, and immune function. Zinc deficiency is a global issue, particularly in regions with high cereal consumption and low animal food intake. While diets may not be low in zinc, its bioavailability is crucial for absorption, with phytic acid being a major inhibitor. Infants, children, adolescents, pregnant, and lactating women have higher zinc requirements and are at greater risk of deficiency. Zinc deficiency during growth periods leads to growth failure and affects multiple organ systems, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, immune system, bones, and reproductive system. Clinical diagnosis of marginal zinc deficiency is challenging, and blood zinc levels, dietary intake, and stunting prevalence are the best indicators. Four main intervention strategies—dietary modification, supplementation, fortification, and bio-fortification—are used to combat zinc deficiency. The choice of strategy depends on resources, technical feasibility, target group, and social acceptance. Zinc is absorbed in the small intestine, with absorption efficiency varying based on diet and phytate content. Zinc is transported via specific proteins and is regulated by homeostatic mechanisms. Zinc deficiency can result from inadequate intake, increased requirements, malabsorption, increased losses, or impaired utilization. Evaluation of zinc status includes blood zinc levels, dietary intake, and stunting prevalence. Prevention strategies include dietary diversification, supplementation, fortification, and bio-fortification. Supplementation is effective for targeting vulnerable populations, while fortification is a cost-effective and sustainable approach. Bio-fortification involves increasing zinc content in plants through breeding or genetic engineering. These strategies are complementary and can be used together to address zinc deficiency globally.Zinc is essential for human health and is a key nutrient for growth, development, and immune function. Zinc deficiency is a global issue, particularly in regions with high cereal consumption and low animal food intake. While diets may not be low in zinc, its bioavailability is crucial for absorption, with phytic acid being a major inhibitor. Infants, children, adolescents, pregnant, and lactating women have higher zinc requirements and are at greater risk of deficiency. Zinc deficiency during growth periods leads to growth failure and affects multiple organ systems, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, immune system, bones, and reproductive system. Clinical diagnosis of marginal zinc deficiency is challenging, and blood zinc levels, dietary intake, and stunting prevalence are the best indicators. Four main intervention strategies—dietary modification, supplementation, fortification, and bio-fortification—are used to combat zinc deficiency. The choice of strategy depends on resources, technical feasibility, target group, and social acceptance. Zinc is absorbed in the small intestine, with absorption efficiency varying based on diet and phytate content. Zinc is transported via specific proteins and is regulated by homeostatic mechanisms. Zinc deficiency can result from inadequate intake, increased requirements, malabsorption, increased losses, or impaired utilization. Evaluation of zinc status includes blood zinc levels, dietary intake, and stunting prevalence. Prevention strategies include dietary diversification, supplementation, fortification, and bio-fortification. Supplementation is effective for targeting vulnerable populations, while fortification is a cost-effective and sustainable approach. Bio-fortification involves increasing zinc content in plants through breeding or genetic engineering. These strategies are complementary and can be used together to address zinc deficiency globally.