Zinc is an essential trace element being required for numerous metabolic processes. The diagnosis of zinc deficiency is based on four main criteria, namely anamnesis, symptomatology, belonging to well-defined risk groups and the determination of biomarkers. The diagnosis of overt zinc deficiency is unproblematic in contrast to moderate states. The review presented here shall help to detect the latter ones. The pharmacotherapy of of zinc deficiency consists in oral administration of zinc salts.