Common Signs of Zinc Deficiency
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While certain health issues seem to take the spotlight suddenly (like vitamin D deficiencies landing on everyone’s radar in recent years, even for those of us in sun-soaked locales like Houston), other concerns — like zinc deficiency – get very little airtime. A little digging shows that zinc deficiency is a major health problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries. And while thankfully the condition is rare in the United States, it’s important to be aware of tell-tale signs and remedies.
Why Zinc Is Important
Zinc is a mineral that the body uses to fight off infections and to produce cells. While experts admit there is more to learn about zinc, we do know that it’s a vital part of an individual’s growth and sexual development. Among its important duties: It’s crucial for the immune system, healing injuries (blood clotting, wound curing), plus creating DNA, which proves the genetic blueprint in all our cells. When someone is zinc deficient, their body can’t produce new, healthy cells.
Signs of a Zinc Deficiency
After iron, zinc is the second most abundantly distributed trace element in our bodies. Since it's a mineral essential for many of the body's normal functions and systems, zinc deficiency symptoms can include hair loss, lack of alertness, and a reduced sense of taste and smell. People might also notice unexplained weight loss, diarrhea, eye problems, and wounds that won’t heal or open sores on the skin. Skin changes (especially those found around the mouth and hands) at first may resemble eczema — featuring cracks with a 'glazed' (or smooth, glassy) appearance.
Getting Zinc Through Nourishment
Most people in the U.S. get enough zinc from their diet. However, certain groups may have trouble absorbing a sufficient amount, like those who've had gastrointestinal surgery or have digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. (These conditions can decrease the amount of zinc the body absorbs while increasing the amount lost in urine.)
It may also be tricky for those who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, since meat proves such a solid source of zinc. Also, beans and grains contain phytates that can reduce the amount of zinc the body absorbs. (Therefore, vegetarians and vegans might benefit from taking zinc supplements.) Zinc also can be found in foods like oysters, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women need more zinc to make breast milk. And some children who suffer from sickle cell disease might benefit from taking zinc supplements since the medications they are prescribed can cause low levels of zinc. People who struggle from alcohol use disorders may also show lower levels, since alcohol reduces the amount of zinc the body absorbs, while increasing the amount that is lost in urine. This group also tends to consume lower amounts of nutrients like zinc in their diet.
Addressing the Body’s Lack of Zinc
For those with a significant deficiency, treatment is predominantly recommended via oral replacement, and usually shows quick results in clinical trials. Zinc can be found in supplements containing only zinc, in those containing zinc plus other ingredients, and in many multivitamins and mineral products too.
Others may merely need to adjust their diets as they pay better attention to their zinc intake and how their body feels and operates on a daily basis.
