Zinc Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

 

Zinc deficiency occurs when your body does not have enough zinc (a mineral). This may occur if you don't eat enough zinc-rich foods or if you have a medical condition that affects how your body absorbs or uses zinc. Symptoms may include diarrhea (most commonly in infants), hair loss, nail abnormalities, and skin rashes or lesions.

If you don't receive enough zinc in your diet, you may experience hair loss, a lack of alertness, and a decreased sense of taste and smell.

Zinc is a mineral that your body utilizes to fight off infections and create cells. It is necessary for the healing of injuries as well as the production of DNA, the genetic blueprint found in all cells.

Also Read: 18 Food High in Zinc

What is Zinc Deficiency?

Zinc deficiencies indicate that your body does not have enough zinc. Zinc is a mineral that  works a variety of important functions in your body, including fighting germs, healing wounds, and promoting a healthy pregnancy. Zinc cannot be produced by the body, so it must be obtained from food.

It is possible to have slightly less zinc than your body requires. This is known as zinc deficiency. However, zinc deficiency occurs when your zinc levels are low enough to interfere with how your body functions and how you feel daily. Treatment can restore normal zinc levels to help you feel better.

Symptoms Of Zinc Deficiency:

 Zinc deficiency symptoms can vary based on your age and the amount of zinc you're lacking.  Possible signs and symptoms are:

•  Diarrhea (usually seen in infants)

•  Getting ill frequently

•  Slower growth than projected (in newborns, children, and adolescents)

•  Symptoms may include hair loss in patches or thinning hair, as well as nail discolouration and brittleness

•  Lack of energy and/or irritation

•  Loss of appetite

•  Loss of flavor and smell

•  Low Sperm Count

•  Rash or skin sores

•  Slow wound healing

Risk Factors:

If you are pregnant and have a zinc deficiency, your baby may not receive the necessary nutrients to develop normally in your womb. And if you and your partner are attempting to conceive, zinc deficiency may make it harder. This is because zinc deficiency can lead to impotence in men.

In the United States, infants who are breastfeeding and elderly persons are most at risk of zinc deficiency. Pregnant women require more zinc than usual because the zinc in their bodies is required to support the developing fetus. Alcoholism puts people at risk for deficiency. According to some studies, drinking inhibits your body's ability to digest zinc.

Zinc deficiency causes:

Zinc deficiencies may occur if:

• The food you eat does not provide enough zinc (nutritional causes).

• You have a medical condition that affects how your body consumes zinc.

• You're getting a treatment that changes the way your body uses zinc.

Nutritional causes of zinc deficiency:

Certain foods, such as meat, fish, and eggs, have significant levels of zinc. If you don't consume enough of these foods, your body may not receive enough zinc.

A vegetarian or vegan diet may limit your intake of zinc-rich foods. Instead, you may be eating phytate-rich foods (such as beans, whole grains, and nuts). Phytates are chemicals that decrease the amount of zinc your body can absorb and use. As a result, the zinc you acquire from plant-based products may not be stored in your body.

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, can cause zinc deficiency and other nutritional deficiencies.

Medical conditions that may induce zinc deficiency:

The following conditions can lead to zinc deficiency:

• Alcohol Use Disorder

• Burns on the skin

• Celiac disease

• Crohn's disease

• HIV

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Pancreatic disorders

• Pregnancy and ulcerative colitis

• Short Bowel Syndrome

• Sepsis and type 2 diabetes

These conditions could include:

• Prevent the digestive system from absorbing enough zinc

• Increase the body's demand for zinc

• Causes your body to lose too much zinc.

Treatments that may cause zinc deficiency:

Sometimes medical conditions can cause zinc deficiency. Examples include:

• Bariatric Surgery

• Chelation therapy

• Diuretics

• Hemodialysis

• Parenteral nutrition

• Some antibiotics

How do doctors diagnose this condition?

Healthcare providers diagnose zinc insufficiency by:

• A physical exam

• Reviewing your medical history.

• Talking with you about the food you eat

• Inquire about any dietary supplements you are taking.

Your doctor may order blood and/or urine tests to determine or rule out other causes of your symptoms. A blood test may show zinc levels in your blood. However, this value alone is insufficient to indicate zinc insufficiency. It is not always a reliable assessment of zinc levels in the body.

Your doctor may want you to take zinc supplements to see how your body responds. If the supplements help your symptoms, your doctor can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

How is it treated, and is there a cure?

Zinc deficiency is treated by giving you zinc supplements. These are dietary supplements that you can take orally. Your physician will tell you more about the supplements you should take, as well as the appropriate amounts and duration of use. Do not take supplements without first consulting your provider.

Your provider may also suggest strategies to obtain additional zinc from the foods you eat. They may also recommend you to a nutritionist, who can provide nutritional advice that is specific to your needs.

How can I increase my zinc level quickly?

Before making any dietary adjustments, consult your healthcare professional. Overall, eating more may be beneficial.

• Baked Beans

• Nuts (almonds, cashews)

• Foods such as peas, egg, and red meat

• Seeds

• Wheat germ

• Wild rice

Can zinc deficiency be prevented?

 The best way to avoid zinc deficiency is to eat foods that are high in zinc.

Also Read: Zinc: Health Benefits, Food Source, Deficiency and Side Effects

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