Zinc Deficiency
The zinc requirement by our body will be in small amounts and hence the name trace minerals. Zinc is required for various enzymes to carry out significant chemical reactions. Zinc also supports the structural integrity of proteins and cell membranes, acting as an antioxidant by stabilizing membranes and preventing free radical damage.
According to NCBI, an adult will contain about 2–3 grams of zinc in their body. However, the accurate zinc status of an individual will be difficult to measure when they are ill.
Additionally, zinc is the second most required trace mineral of the body, while iron holds the first place.
Zinc is required for various functions of the body, and a deficiency of the trace mineral can lead to various illnesses, including zinc deficiency diseases.
Zinc plays numerous roles in our body, including supporting DNA synthesis, promoting wound healing, regulating the immune system, and even contributing to reproductive health. When zinc levels are not up to the mark, these essential body systems may not operate efficiently.
Impaired cognitive function is one of the often-neglected zinc deficiency symptoms. Zinc plays a key role in neurotransmission, and its lack can impact attention, memory, and mood stability, mainly in young individuals and older adults.
Zinc is required for various functions of the body, and a deficiency of the trace mineral can lead to various illnesses.
Zinc deficiency in humans is increasing and is considered to be one of the emerging causes of malnourishment. This deficiency is dominant in high cereal and low animal food consumption.
The major cause of zinc deficiency can occur when its bioavailability decreases. It is not necessary for you to have to consume low-zinc diet food. Even if you consume foods that are rich in zinc, if the bioavailability of zinc is zero, it can lead to zinc deficiency.
According to NCBI, the primary inhibitor of zinc is phytic acid. Zinc is an important mineral for lactating women, and its requirement is increasing. Thus, pregnant and lactating women are at an increased risk of zinc depletion.
The deficiency in lactating women can affect their children. When there is zinc deficiency during the growth period, it can lead to growth failure.
According to NCBI, zinc deficiency can affect the epidermal, gastrointestinal, immune, skeletal, central nervous and reproductive systems.
There are ways to combat zinc deficiency, such as dietary modification, bio-fortification, supplementation, and fortification.
Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency
Zinc deficiency symptoms can lead to various health issues. In the starting stage, it damages the healthy skin, and cracks will be visible. When the rash is treated with moisturizer, it will not get better.
These symptoms may indicate that you have a zinc deficiency. The other zinc deficiency symptoms are discussed below.
Hair loss
Zinc is required for the functioning and growth of cells. When there is a zinc deficiency, healthy hair can be damaged. Zinc deficiency can also break and weaken your hair.
Zinc plays a major role in regulating the protein that helps the hair to grow. The deficiency of the mineral can lead to a disruption of protein formation, which eventually results in hair loss.
Nail changes
Zinc is a trace mineral that is responsible for a person's healthy skin, nails and hair. Nail discolouration can occur when a person has a deficiency in zinc minerals.
The clinical term is nail dystrophy, which causes discolouration and distortion of the affected person's nail.
Zinc deficiency leads to white marks on the nails, and these white marks are common in young children and adolescents.
In addition to visible symptoms, individuals may experience reduced immunity. Recurrent colds, slow wound healing, and lingering infections are also major zinc deficiency symptoms that should not be ignored.
Diarrhoea
Zinc deficiency can cause diarrhoea. According to NCBI, the mechanism by which diarrhoea is caused is still unknown.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), if a person is affected with acute diarrhoea, 20 mg of zinc per day and the recommended dosage period will be 10–14 days.
If there is a zinc deficiency or overconsumption of zinc, the intestines may not function well, which can lead to diarrhoea and inflammation.
Eye problems
The human eyes contain the highest amount of zinc, and if the zinc is deficient, it can lead to eye problems. Zinc plays a major role in the essential enzyme production—superoxide dismutase.
The enzyme is also involved in the formation of certain visual pigments in the retina. So, zinc deficiency can affect your retina and lead to night blindness.
In older adults, zinc deficiency diseases may contribute to age-related macular degeneration, one of the primary causes of vision loss.
Weight loss
When there is unexplained weight loss, it can indicate that the person has zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency can also lead to major mood swings, depression and irritability.
Zinc regulates metabolism, and zinc deficiency can lead to proteins, fats and carbohydrates not being metabolized. When there is a deficiency of essential nutrients, it can lead to malnutrition and weight loss.
Lack of taste
According to NCBI, some reports say the loss of taste and smell is linked to zinc deficiency.
What are the causes of Zinc Deficiency?
The most common cause of zinc deficiency occurs when the body is unable to absorb zinc from dietary sources. This can be common in older people and people affected with certain digestive system diseases.
Not consuming enough zinc-rich foods can lead to deficiency. The other major cause is people affected with chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
People who consume a vegan diet can also have a low zinc absorption rate. Vegan foods have less zinc when compared to animal foods. This can be a major reason for zinc deficiency.
Vegan foods contain phytates which impair the absorption of zinc from the foods. The phytates bind to the zinc and make it difficult for the body to absorb.
Another cause of zinc deficiency is age. When people age, the variety of foods they consume becomes less due to reduced digestion. This can also be a major reason for zinc deficiency.
Additional zinc deficiency causes include chronic alcoholism and diabetes. Alcohol interferes with zinc absorption and increases excretion, while poorly managed diabetes can also deplete zinc levels through urinary losses.
Risk Factors for Zinc Deficiency
Pregnant and lactating women are at a high risk of zinc deficiency. Zinc depletion occurs at an increased rate due to body requirements.
Young children and adolescents are also at an increased risk of zinc depletion. Infants get their zinc requirement from their mothers, and if there is a deficiency in the mother's milk, it can affect the baby.
Adolescents will require zinc for their puberty growth, which generally occur between the age of 10–15 years. Even though the growth stops, zinc will be required to repair the damaged tissues.
Diagnosis of Zinc Deficiency
When these symptoms are exhibited, your doctor will recommend you test for zinc deficiency. A previous health history will be required to accurately diagnose zinc deficiency.
If there is any underlying reason for zinc deficiency, it should be identified, and the diagnosis will depend on the history of the illness.
The patient's diet will also be enquired about to ensure that the person consumes enough zinc-rich foods.
Treatment of Zinc Deficiency
Zinc deficiency can be treated with proper supplements. Foods like fortified cereals, chickpeas, oatmeal, milk, baked beans, yoghurt, oysters and other animal foods contain zinc. Research states that the consumption of animal foods increases the bioavailability of zinc.
According to NCBI research, zinc supplements have reduced the risk of infection in deficiency cases. In infants over six months old, it reduced the duration of diarrhoea.
The treatment for zinc deficiency usually begins with oral tablets. Adults will require about 20-40 mg daily, and this dosage can satisfy the daily zinc requirement.
In patients with comorbidities, oral replacement with a dosage of 1-2 mg/kg per day will be a standard therapy with a life-long supplementation.
Patients that are administered zinc supplements should be monitored every three to six months to avoid overdosing on zinc supplements.
Long-term zinc deficiency treatment may also include dietary counselling to help recognize hidden inhibitors, such as calcium-rich supplements or iron pills taken at the same time as zinc, which compete for absorption.
What are the ways to prevent Zinc Deficiency?
Zinc deficiency can be prevented with proper dietary correction. The common complaint for zinc deficiency is less absorption by the body.
So, you can soak the beans in water before cooking. This method will reduce the phytates and help the body absorb zinc easily.
Consumption of animal foods is also recommended to prevent zinc deficiency that is related to dietary sources.
Additionally, incorporate more natural sources of zinc in your regular diet to maintain optimal levels:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Cashews
- Eggs
- Whole grains
- Seafood
Diversify your intake of zinc-rich foods to prevent deficiency:
- Oysters (highest zinc content)
- Legumes (such as lentils and chickpeas)
- Seeds (like sunflower and flaxseeds)
- Eggs (easy to incorporate daily)
When to consult a Doctor?
Consult your doctor if you have symptoms like
- Unintentional weight loss,
- Eye-related problems,
- Nail-colour changes,
- Lack of taste and smell,
- Diarrhoea,
- Recurrent infections,
- Skin manifestations,
- Delayed wound healing and
- Growth failure.
Early stages of zinc deficiency can be treated easily if the risk factors are known with the help of a healthcare professional. However, if the symptoms are severe and the underlying cause is not clear, further consultations with a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, nutritionist and dermatologist will be required to treat it properly.
Conclusion
Zinc deficiency has become more common for people who restrict their diets and have malabsorption problems.
The deficiency can be reversed with proper dietary changes and supplementations. Animal foods are rich in zinc and also increase bioavailability.
However, be aware of your zinc supplementations. It can lead to an overdose of zinc and causes symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
FAQs
What is Zinc deficiency?
A deficiency of the mineral zinc means that there is less of an intake of zinc mineral. Zinc deficiency can also occur when the bioavailability of zinc is less.
How to cure zinc deficiency?
Zinc deficiency can be cured by implementing certain dietary changes and taking certain supplements. However, your doctor will decide on the dosage.
Is a doctor consultation necessary for zinc deficiency?
Pregnant and lactating women who have a deficiency of zinc minerals will require a doctor's consultation.
Is Zinc deficiency curable?
Zinc deficiency is curable. With proper dietary changes and supplements, zinc deficiency can be cured.
