A 4-year-old child from a rural area presents with growth retardation, hypogeusia, and sparse hair with depigmentation. Serum zinc is low. The ICMR-NIN 2020 RDA of zinc for a preschool child (1-3 years) is approximately:

• A 2 mg/day
• B 3 mg/day ✓
• C 5 mg/day
• D 8 mg/day

Explanation

The child has zinc deficiency (growth retardation, hypogeusia, alopecia). ICMR-NIN 2020 RDA for zinc: 1-3 years is 3 mg/day, 4-6 years is 4 mg/day, and adult males is 12 mg/day. Option C (5 mg) is for 4-6 years, while option D reflects adult values. Zinc deficiency is common in populations consuming predominantly cereal-based diets high in phytates.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.