A pediatric clinic serving refugees notices increased rates of growth delay and frequent infections in several children whose families primarily consume unleavened sorghum-based flatbreads. Which nutrient deficiency is most consistent with these signs and the dietary context, and why?

• A. Excess selenium, since consuming unleavened grains usually produces selenosis whose primary manifestation in children is growth delay and repeated infections.
• B. Molybdenum deficiency, because molybdenum deficiency typically presents with growth delay and infections in populations that consume unleavened grains.
• C. Zinc deficiency, because diets high in phytate-rich unleavened grains reduce zinc bioavailability leading to growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, and increased infection susceptibility.
• D. Chromium deficiency, as chromium insufficiency due to unleavened grains causes growth delay and immunodeficiency symptoms in children.

Answer: (C)