Zinc Deficiency symptoms & causes

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Treatments

Conditions

The symptoms

Dry, flaky, or irritated skin

Acne or slow healing acne that reappears in the same area of the face or body frequently

Hair thinning or hair loss

White spots on nails or brittle nails

Increased susceptibility to frequent infections

Loss of sense of taste or smell

Slower to heal injuries

Mood changes or brain fog

When to see a doctor?

Consultation Is The Key

When should you be worried?

If you’ve been noticing changes in your skin, and no skin care routine has helped, or if you keep getting sick and you do not know why, it may be time to go to a doctor. Though the occasional pimple or low energy is normal, continual ones like these can signal something deeper:

Acne that refuses to go away and respond to treatment
Recurrent infections or colds
Itch, sores or skin rashes that do not go away
Sudden loss of taste or smell
Unexplained hair loss

Your GP or a dermatologist can request a simple blood test to measure your zinc levels. Getting it early allows you to treat it before it causes complications.

Advised treatments

Private-gp-appointments

Body Treatment

The causes

What causes zinc deficiency?

There are several reasons that lead to zinc deficiency. Below are the most seen reasons:

Diet-related

These are rare in areas where there is variety in the diet, but they are possible:

Insufficient intake of protein-rich foods such as meat or fish
Eating too much of foods high in phytates (compounds that inhibit zinc absorption), such as:
- Whole grains
- Beans and legumes
- Soybeans
- Corn and rice
- Nuts and seeds

Health conditions

Some diseases can cause your body to block the way it absorbs or uses zinc:

Alcohol use disorder
Chronic infectious conditions such as sepsis (bloodstream infections)
Chronic kidney disease
Diabetes
Liver or pancreatic disorders
Digestive problems that prevent nutrient absorption (such as Crohn’s or celiac disease)
Sickle cell disease

Medical treatments

Certain medications and therapies decrease your zinc:

Long-term thiazide diuretics use
Being fed intravenous for a long period of time (without sufficient zinc supplement)

The risk factors

Who is at higher risk of zinc deficiency?

Here are the groups that are most at risk:

Pregnant women: While your baby is growing inside you, your body requires additional zinc. If you lack zinc, it might impact your baby’s development.
Breastfeeding infants over 6 months: Breastmilk alone does not contain enough for older babies, especially if they haven’t started solid foods yet.
Older adults: Changes in appetite, medical problems or difficulty absorbing nutrients can lead to low zinc levels.
Heavy alcohol drinker: Alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and utilize zinc, and increases the amount of zinc lost in urine.
Those who suffer from digestive issues: Illnesses such as Crohn’s or celiac can hinder the body’s ability to absorb zinc from food.
People with genetic conditions: More rarely, genetic disorders such as Acrodermatitis enteropathica can result in lifelong problems with zinc absorption.

The complications

Hidden Dangers

What can happen if zinc deficiency is not treated?

Slow growth in children
Children who are not getting enough zinc may slow growth and development.
Delayed puberty
In rare instances, zinc deficiency may interfere with hormones and slow down sexual development.
Infertility
Zinc is an essential for fertility. In men, it could result in low sperm count or impotence

Weakened immune system
People may fall sick more frequently or have trouble bouncing back from infections such as colds, diarrhea or pneumonia.
Digestive issues
Chronic or recurrent diarrhoea both causes and worsens zinc deficiency.
Possible links to other conditions
Early research hints that low zinc may be associated with issues like obesity, diabetes and poor bone health. Zinc deficiency may also worsen age related macular degeneration or contribute to its development.

The prevention

Feed Your Body Properly

What foods are high in zinc?

You can find zinc in foods including beef, chicken, eggs, milk, cheese, shellfish, especially oysters, nuts and fortified breakfast cereals. Adding these to your diet each day is one easy way to help ensure you are meeting your need for zinc naturally.

Add them to your daily diet

Consume at least one zinc rich food each day. Shake things up during the week, eggs one day, seafood or meat another. Variety helps you to fulfil yourself without getting bored.

Support Absorption

Can your body use all the zinc in food?

Not always. Some plant-based foods, including beans, lentils and whole grains, contain compounds that can inhibit your body’s ability to absorb zinc, especially if you are eating a vegetarian or vegan diet.

What can increase zinc absorption?

Soaking, fermenting or sprouting plant-based foods before eating them can also help reduce some of these compounds. Plus, consuming some animal protein along with zinc-rich foods for example, cheese with whole grain bread can make your body effectively absorb.

Taking Supplements

Should you take a zinc supplement?

If you are in a group that might need extra zinc such as pregnant women, seniors, or people with particular health conditions, your healthcare provider may recommend dietary supplements. Don’t take one on your own without consultation to find out how much zinc you need.

Best kind of supplement

Some zinc supplements are easier on the stomach, such as zinc picolinate or zinc acetate. You can also get added zinc from some multivitamin supplements. If you have to take one, follow the dose that your doctor suggests. There are also reasons not to take too much zinc, it can upset your stomach or may lead to copper deficiency.

Limit Alcohol

How does alcohol influence the level of zinc?

Consuming excessive alcohol can make it more difficult for your body to absorb zinc. It may also make you lose more zinc in your urine leading to an increased risk of a deficiency over time.

Can cutting back make a difference?

Definitely. Consuming less alcohol or none at all will also give your body a better chance of absorbing the nutrients you need. It is a simple change with big health benefits.

Address Underlying Conditions

What diseases can lead to a deficiency of zinc?

Health issues such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease or chronic diarrhea can impact on the way your body absorbs zinc. Even if you are eating enough, your body may not be absorbing it correctly.

What to do?

Speak with your health professionals. They might recommend that you be tested via a blood sample to determine your zinc status and help develop an appropriate diet or zinc supplement regimen to keep the levels in check. Managing your primary condition is also crucial to prevent zinc inadequacy.