Zinc Deficiency Symptoms: Effects of Low Zinc Levels

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency in Adults & Children

Zinc is an important micronutrient that is considered essential for the body. Zinc acts as a cofactor in more than 100 enzymes and has other functions, such as wound healing, regulation of the immune system, and functioning of the thyroid gland.

Zinc is also necessary for normal growth and development and a healthy pregnancy. A zinc deficiency can lead to serious complications in the body. Symptoms of zinc deficiency are often overlooked until they lead to severe conditions.

Hence, it is essential to know about the symptoms of zinc deficiency, its causes, and tips for increasing zinc in the body. Keep reading to get a detailed overview.

What is Zinc Deficiency?

Zinc deficiency is a condition in which the serum levels of zinc are less than the normal range for a human being. The normal blood zinc level ranges from 70 to 120 mcg/dL. It is possible to have zinc levels less than 70 mcg/dL in the body, which is known as zinc inadequacy. Zinc levels below 60 mcg/dL are considered a zinc deficiency in the body. However, diagnosis is challenging because serum levels are a poor indicator of total body zinc status and can be influenced by other factors.

What are the Zinc Deficiency Symptoms?

In infants and children, zinc deficiency can manifest as growth retardation and impaired immune function, leading to recurrent infections, including diarrhoea. Diarrhoea can further deplete zinc levels, creating a worsening cycle. Symptoms of zinc deficiency in adults include:

• Diarrhoea
• Frequent infections
• Slower or delayed growth than the normal expectancy (for children and infants)
• Loss of hair in patches or thinning of hair
• Discolouration of nails and brittle texture
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Irritability
• Anorexia (loss of appetite)
• Zinc deficiency symptoms in skin include eczema (skin rashes) or lesions.
• Delayed wound healing

What are the Causes of Zinc Deficiency Symptoms?

Zinc deficiency can be caused by various mechanisms; for instance, it can be due to:

• The decrease in the absorption of zinc in the gastrointestinal tract
• Excretion of high amounts of zinc from the body
• The increase in demand for zinc in the body

The causes of zinc deficiency have been classified into 3 categories. These are:

1. Nutritional Deficiency

The diet a person follows may not meet the daily dietary requirements of zinc. Animal food products, such as meat, eggs, and fish, are rich sources of zinc. If a person does not consume such food items, they will likely develop a zinc deficiency.

Plant-based diets can be lower in bioavailable zinc due to the presence of phytates in foods like beans, nuts, and whole grains, which inhibit zinc absorption. Individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets should be mindful to include multiple zinc-rich plant foods and may consider strategies to improve absorption, such as soaking or sprouting beans and grains. 

2. Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions can lead to a deficiency of zinc in the body. These conditions include:

• Chronic alcoholism
• Coeliac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection
• Renal diseases
• Liver diseases
• Pancreatic diseases
• Somatic burns
• Short bowel syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Sepsis or septic shock

3. Drugs or Treatments

A few drugs or treatment modalities can also cause zinc deficiency in the body. These include:

• Chelation therapy
• Diuretics
• Bariatric surgery
• Haemodialysis
• Parenteral nutrition
• Few antibiotics
   

What is the Diagnostic Approach for Zinc Deficiency Symptoms?

The healthcare professionals can diagnose zinc deficiency by:

Performing a physical examination

• Obtaining a detailed medical history
• Knowing about dietary habits
• Taking a history of dietary supplements
• Blood and urine tests

Blood and urine tests are essential to rule out other causes of the symptoms. Blood tests indicate the body's zinc levels. However, blood levels do not always indicate the chances of having a zinc deficiency, as stored zinc is not included in the blood tests.

Moreover, the accuracy can be altered due to other causes, such as alcohol intake or fasting.

Diagnosis can be challenging. Doctors may use a combination of serum zinc levels, clinical signs, and risk factors. In some cases, a controlled trial of supplementation may be used to support the diagnosis if symptoms clearly improve, but this is not a definitive standalone test.
 

What is the Treatment for Zinc Deficiency Symptoms?

Doctors can treat zinc deficiency with zinc supplements. These are usually dietary supplements available as oral tablets. A doctor can prescribe the exact supplements, dosage, and duration to be taken.

Hence, it is essential to consult a professional about these supplements. It is not advised to take supplements without professional consultation. Doctors can also recommend adding rich zinc sources or refer patients to a dietitian who can prescribe a diet tailored to their requirements.

How to Naturally Increase the Zinc Levels in the Body?

The easiest way to increase the body's zinc levels is to consume food sources rich in zinc. These food products include:
 

• Baked Beans
• Nuts like almonds and cashews
• Peas
• Seeds
• Poultry and red meat
• Wheat germ
• Wild rice

Zinc deficiency can cause serious complications if not treated in a timely manner. It is an easily preventable condition and can be treated conveniently. Therefore, knowing the symptoms is essential to preventing such conditions early.