Changing your diet to include foods rich in zinc is the best way to treat a zinc deficiency. Why trust us? Dropping weight quickly without dieting, exercise, or illness as the cause can be an early warning sign that something in your body is wrong. Zinc Deficiency Symptoms List. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, 6 Vitamins That May Help with Vaginal Dryness, Vitamin C for Allergies: Effectiveness, Uses, and Precautions, The Top 7 Vitamin and Supplement Trends of 2021, What Is Colloidal Oatmeal? The United States Department of Agriculture keeps an up-to-date, comprehensive list of foods that are high in zinc. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. According to a report released by the World Health Organization, the global rate of zinc deficiency is around 31 percent. Zinc, a nutrient found throughout your body, helps your immune system and metabolism function. They may not be noticeable right away. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Research shows that giving oral zinc meds to people with taste disorders improved their symptoms, since it may help stimulate a region in your brain that controls your food intake. Benefits, Uses, and Safety, have a sudden headache that will not go away. Zinc deficiency happens in the United States. Because zinc is essential for your immune health, you might become more vulnerable to viral or bacterial infections when you dip into deficiency status. You can also treat your zinc deficiency right away with supplements. They may do additional testing to get to the root of your deficiency. A skin rash, especially around th… COVID-19 symptoms versus human phenotypes related to zinc deficiency. Symptoms may be mild if the zinc level is just a little low, but can be very severe if there is severe deficiency. A weak immune system 5. You can also buy supplements that contain only zinc. Women should aim for 9 milligrams per day (or slightly higher if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding), while men need 11 milligrams. It's possible for hair to … Some research finds that taking an oral medication or applying a topical treatment that contains zinc may help clear breakouts. Cuts and scrapes may take longer to heal as well, according to the NIH, since your body also relies on it to repair tissues. As if your taste, smell, and vision weren’t enough, a lack of zinc can mess with your hearing, too. In another 2011 study, researchers attempted to treat hearing loss in 66 people with zinc supplements. In 2007, 80,000 metric tons of glyphosate were put into the environment. If you’re pregnant and have zinc deficiency, your baby might not have what it needs to develop properly in your womb. Think about what you eat and try to consume more … Read more: The link between zinc and erectile dysfunction ». Symptom #2: Eczema. This article examines the use of colloidal oatmeal…. Symptoms can be severe, and may include diarrhea, hair loss, loss of appetite, and eye and skin lesions. Loose stools (diarrhoea). Zinc is essential to healthy development in the womb. Vitamin C is probably best known for supporting your immune system. This article explores if you should take selenium for weight loss. However, if you feel like you’ve tried everything and notice other symptoms on this list, it’s worth talking to your primary care doctor or dermatologist about zinc deficiency. The potential connection? Zinc is critical for a child’s normal growth and development. To start, consider eating more: If you’re a vegetarian, it might be more difficult to get the amount of zinc you need from the foods you eat. Symptoms can include: Not wanting to eat. Zinc is a mineral needed by the body to ward off infections and produce vital cells. The people at the highest risk of zinc deficiency in the United States are infants who are breastfeeding and older adults. Good news: You’re probably loading up on plenty of zinc through the foods you eat, and true zinc deficiency is uncommon in North America. We need zinc to make neurotransmitters. Zinc deficiency occurs when the amount of zinc in the body is insufficient to meet its functional needs. Unexplained Weight Loss. How is zinc deficiency treated? Zinc is used by your body in cell production and immune functions. And if you and your partner are trying to become pregnant, zinc deficiency could make it difficult. Anxiety – A zinc deficiency may lower GABA and glutamine levels, contributing to symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor will be aware of these possibilities. There is a connection between zinc deficiency and anxiety disorders. The study authors believe that zinc could act as an antioxidant and tame inflammation in the cochlea, or the inner part of your ear. Article Sources. Zinc replacement is the treatment of choice. Zinc deficiency is more common than you might imagine. Because zinc plays such an important role in your body, the symptoms of a deficiency can show up in a hundred ways. Zinc is a mineral that your body uses for fighting off infections and producing cells. Frequent symptoms of the common cold 2. Your eyes contain high concentrations of zinc, particularly in your retina. Zinc deficiency is defined either as insufficient zinc to meet the needs of the body, or as a serum zinc level below the normal range. Zinc inadequacy, on the other hand, is more common. Some reports also find that people suffering from alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body, are deficient in zinc. Medical Expert. As some conditions can lead to a zinc deficiency, your doctor may do … The dosage varies depending on the underlying cause of the deficiency. Severe zinc deficiency is rare and caused by an inherited condition called acrodermatitis enteropathica. Sometimes zinc deficiency is a symptom of another condition. Zinc Deficiency and Anxiety Disorders: Many patients misunderstand the role zinc plays in mental health disorders. That’s a problem, since your body doesn’t store zinc like it does with other vitamins and minerals. Thankfully, if you keep a look out for some key indicators, you can catch a deficiency early, before it has a major impact on your overall health. Here’s our process. Even if you notice several of these symptoms, many of them can be caused by other conditions, so it will be difficult to tell whether zinc deficiency or insufficiency is the root of the problem. But…, If you experience dry skin, you may have heard colloidal oatmeal mentioned as a potential remedy. Hair loss can be caused by a lack of zinc, niacin, biotin, and other vitamins you would typically get from a balanced diet. Depression – Without zinc acting as an antioxidant, oxidative damage can occur in the central nervous system, along with a decline in serotonin and dopamine – a recipe for symptoms of low mood, loss of appetite, and loss of pleasure . Causes of zinc deficiency. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, This Is Exactly What to Eat for Breakfast, Roasted Chicken With Carrots and Shallots, Blake Shelton Ate a Mushroom He Found in the Woods, These High-Protein Snacks Are Legit Delicious. Zinc overdose may occur if you take too many zinc supplements or multivitamins containing large amounts of zinc. Consider baked beans, cashews, peas, and almonds as alternative sources of zinc. However you should contact your doctor if you suspect you may have a zinc deficiency, especially if you are pregnant. Plus, whole grains and some legumes contain compounds that make it harder for your body to fully absorb zinc, says Dr. Prasad. 1 A study published in the June 2012 edition of the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology found that zinc deficiency may afflict as many as 2 billion people worldwide. And while zinc is one of the easier nutrients to obtain through proper dieting, it’s still important to understand the common zinc deficiency symptoms so you know what to look for if you suspect you’re not getting enough. Prevention participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The good new is, this issue mainly affects those who either don’t eat or don’t have access to enough animal protein. But in addition to keeping your immune system in tip top shape, zinc is an essential mineral your cells need to keep your whole body running smoothly, especially when it comes to your metabolism, growth, and senses. 8 common signs, symptoms and solutions to a vitamin deficiency. Sadly, millions of individuals are zinc lacking and are totally unaware of their condition. 6 Signs You're Not Eating Enough Potassium, 10 Signs You're Not Getting Enough Protein, 6 Weird Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Iron, 6 Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Magnesium, The 3 Most Common Signs of Iodine Deficiency. Zinc is distributed in trace amounts among the cells in your body, making it difficult to detect zinc deficiency through a simple blood test. Unfortunately, zinc deficiency is common worldwide and not exclusive to the developing world. Add more of these foods to your diet to help prevent deficiency. Plus, exactly what you should eat to load up on the essential mineral. Predisposition to infections 6. Some of the most common zinc deficiency symptoms … Below are some signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency. But through dietary changes and supplements, it’s possible to reverse. If you’re not getting enough zinc in your diet, you may have side effects such as hair loss, lack of alertness, and a reduced sense of taste and smell. This leads to symptoms such as: Zinc is essential for growth and sexual development, a deficiency in this mineral can lead to a variety of physical ailments. People with alcoholism are also at risk of deficiency. However, if you’re part of a high-risk group (say, you have a GI disorder or stick to plant-based foods), you might need to consider taking a multivitamin that includes around 10 to 15 milligrams of zinc. Do you feel like you are a little bit more run down than usual? A zinc deficiency can be diagnosed using a blood test, urine test, or hair analysis. By jolene. It is very important if you are taking zinc supplements to know the symptoms of zinc overdose. Only severe cases of zinc deficiency are associated with fewer strands in your scalp. For example, some conditions may cause zinc to be processed in your body but not absorbed well. They found that those who took the zinc experienced gains in their hearing compared to those who received a steroid treatment. Be sure to let your doctor know as this can be a symptom of deficiency as well as an early sign for other diseases and conditions. Zinc deficiency symptoms in men: poor neurological function, weak immunity, diarrhea, allergic reactions and other. Selenium is an important mineral in your body, but deficiency is rare. This article explores whether it helps treat allergies, how to use it, and how…, The COVID-19 pandemic has led more people than ever toward vitamins and supplements to boost their health. Compared to animal proteins, plant-based foods can contain less zinc. Zinc is also an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress agent, relevant to some severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms. And she warns that “… you cannot just willy-nilly supplement zinc, or you can create… more harm [than] good – or a copper deficiency.” High doses of zinc in the form of mineral supplements may weaken the body’s immune system, adversely affect essential … Zinc is vital for the proper functioning of the skin, brain, central nervous system, immune system, gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, reproductive system, and more. Going above that limit by taking a supplement high in zinc can also have toxic effects, causing vomiting, loss of appetite, cramping, diarrhea, and headaches, says the NIH. Zinc keeps your immune system humming along and promotes healthy cell growth. That’s because zinc helps transport vitamin A from your liver to your retina to produce protective pigments in your eyes, according to the American Optometric Association, so it’s a key player in keeping your vision sharp. But some of the more common symptoms include diarrhea, hair … If you know that you are deficient and have diarrhea that lasts for several days, you should call a doctor. 10 Zinc Deficiency Symptoms. Your teeth aren’t exactly sparkling. 2 … Zinc is important for your sense of taste. Other tests for zinc deficiency include a urine test and an analysis of a strand of your hair to measure the zinc content. That’s why most people really don’t need a zinc supplement, she says. A zinc deficiency can be diagnosed using a blood test, urine test, or hair analysis. That’s because zinc deficiency may lead to impotence in men. Symptoms of severe lack of zinc can be very distressing. Fatigue. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. When you’re zinc deficient, your body can’t produce healthy, new cells. More About Us. Researchers believe zinc may have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce the amount of acne-triggering oil and bacteria in your skin, according to a review published in Dermatology Research and Practice. Here are the top 7 vitamin and supplement…, A healthy diet during pregnancy helps ensure your baby gets the best start possible. The skin is often red, itchy, and has a visible rash. There can also be small blisters and thickened or indurated skin in chronic cases. Clinical effects of zinc deficiency can be present in the absence of abnormal laboratory indices . This mineral is … Do you feel like you don't have … Zinc is found in many multivitamin supplements. If you’re using supplements to boost the amount of zinc in your body, be careful. Zinc is essential to healthy teeth and ‘If you have low zinc levels, … Pregnant women need more zinc than usual because the zinc in their body is needed to help the developing baby. That said, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and suspect a zinc deficiency, it’s extremely important that you address it right away. Zinc may also interact with medication you are taking. Zinc deficiency may cause loss of appetite. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Zinc deficiency is rare in the United States, but it still occurs in some people. In most cases, a zinc deficiency is not an emergency. Hypogonadism This is a medical term used for improper functioning of the reproductive system that results in a defect in the proper operation of gonads (ovaries or testes). One of the main signs of zinc deficiency actually appears in young children. Zinc Deficiency Symptoms Unfortunately, millions of people are zinc deficient and are completely unaware of their condition . There is still a lot more to learn about zinc, but we do know that zinc is an essential part of growth, sexual development, and reproduction. A neurotransmitter imbalance can cause symptoms of anxiety. Glyphosate is a GMO that binds and blocks zinc and other minerals in the soil. Taking zinc by mouth seems to help reduce symptoms of sickle cell disease in people with zinc deficiency. A study at the University of Toronto showed that zinc has a key … Of course, many things could trigger your acne, like your makeup or skincare, hormones, birth control, or certain foods in your diet. Symptoms And Effects Of Zinc Deficiency. Taking prenatal multivitamins covers the basic requirements. For the patient to maintain the normal levels of zinc, the recommended daily allowance is 15 mg. Beef and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet, and other good sources include beans, nuts, certain types of seafood, and fortified dairy products. Load up on foods rich in the mineral, like oysters (the best source of zinc), beef, fortified cereal, baked beans, lobster or crab, nuts, cheese, oats, chicken, and yogurt. Talk to your doctor first, since he or she will be able to recommend one that fits your personal needs. Zinc supplements are available but should be used with caution, as they can interfere with certain medications. Low zinc can cause a variety of problems. Some research shows that alcohol makes it harder for your body to digest zinc. Losing weight. Below are some signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency. This affected zinc absorption in a large scale of the population, causing many cases of deficiency. A. The gonads have two functions: to produce hormones and to produce eggs or sperm. “Perhaps because of this, symptoms of zinc deficiency are not specific, and it can easily go unnoticed unless it is very severe when a typical skin rash [would be] likely to occur.” Identifying zinc deficiency is difficult, and there is no good test for it, adds Ho. Normal zinc levels in the blood are between 0.66 to 1.10 mcg/mL. Changes in Your Taste. However, since a decrease in the serum concentration is only detectable after long-term or severe depletion, serum zinc is not a reliable biomarker for zinc status. That’s why people who are deficient in it actually have difficulty tasting their food (the horror!). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 1. As some conditions can lead to a zinc deficiency, your doctor may do additional testing to discover the root cause. While some people have seen positive results from topical and oral zinc medications, more research needs to be done to fully understand the connection. 2. Zinc can interact with some antibiotics, arthritis medications, and diuretics. All rights reserved. It shows up most often in adults over the age of 60, but you may also fall short on zinc if you stick to a mostly plant-based diet, says Ananda Prasad, MD, PhD, distinguished professor at the department of oncology at Wayne State University. Delayed wound healing 4. Common effects associated with zinc deficiency include: 1. Poor Growth in Children. Low zinc levels can cause your hair to fall out, according to the National Institutes of Health. One study of 100 people with tinnitus (characterized by noise or ringing in your ears) found that 12 percent of them had low zinc levels, and those who were deficient had much more severe hearing loss and ringing than those who weren’t. If your doctor suspects a zinc deficiency, they will need to test your blood plasma for an accurate reading. Rest assured, this reaction to a lack of zinc may be more common in older adults, since they’re already at a higher risk of deficiency or inadequacy and are more likely to take several medications that impact taste, according to one 2016 review of research. It’s important for pregnant women to maintain healthy zinc levels during and (if breastfeeding) after pregnancy to ensure the proper development of their baby. Symptoms of zinc deficiency depend on how deficient you are. Even if you notice several of these symptoms, many of them can be caused by other conditions, so it will be difficult to tell whether zinc deficiency or insufficiency is the root of the problem. Brittle hair and nails. As with any condition, you should contact your healthcare provider if you: A zinc deficiency is not an emergency in most cases. Here, eight signs you’re not getting enough zinc—and what to do if you think you’re not eating enough. When you picture zinc, you might think of zinc lozenges—you know, those syrupy-tasting tablets that soothe your sore throat when the temperature drops. Kids need to get enough zinc in their diets because of its influence on cell development, meaning a lack of it can stunt your growth, says Dr. Prasad. People who struggle with eating disorders, alcoholism, and digestive diseases are most at risk for a true zinc deficiency, explains Jessica Crandall, RDN, CDE, founder of the Denver Wellness and Nutrition Center-Sodexo and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Zinc Deficiency; Symptoms, Treatment & Zinc Rich Foods. When the levels of zinc in the body are down, the patient will experience various problems. Zinc Deficiency Causes. Here are 6 vitamins and supplements…. Eczema, or dermatitis, represents a group of conditions characterized by skin inflammation. Frequent brain fog. Long-term treatment for zinc deficiency starts with changing your diet. Symptoms of zinc deficiency tend to be linked to the roles that zinc performs in the body. Most kids in the U.S. can easily get enough zinc—one beef patty has 5 milligrams of the stuff, which is more than half of what a kid needs in a day. “There is an upper limit of 40 milligrams per day for adults,” says Crandall, since downing too much can actual block your absorption of other crucial nutrients, like copper and iron. Your doctor might not immediately spot low zinc levels either, since there’s no clear test to determine a deficiency. It’s important for healing injuries and creating DNA, the genetic blueprint in all of your cells. Luckily, if you keep a keep an eye out for some key indications, you can capture it early before things turn sour quick. Having no energy. If the zinc levels drop to lower than 2 grams, then the patient could suffer from zinc deficiency. People with zinc deficiency can address the problem by seeking out sources of zinc and being mindful of what they eat. 10 Zinc Deficiency Symptoms . Diarrhea 3. This is because zinc is an enzyme that … Clinicians consider risk factors (such as inadequate caloric intake, alcoholism, and digestive diseases) and symptoms of zinc deficiency (such as impaired growth in infants and children) when determining the need for zinc supplementation . And if you are deficient in this essential mineral, you are likely to experience some of the effects, but not necessarily all of them. It’s also found in some cold medicines, though you shouldn’t take cold medicine if you’re not sick. Last medically reviewed on June 14, 2017, Vaginal dryness is a common problem that can affect women at any age but is especially prevalent during menopause. A zinc … Mental Fog The Best Walking Shoes for All-Day Comfort, How to Outsmart Your Genes for Better Health, Probiotic-Rich Yogurts for a Healthier Gut, The Best Kettlebell Exercises for Beginners, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. If you don’t notice any other symptoms on this list, don’t freak out just yet—thinning hair could be linked to various other factors. Reports from healthcare workers on the front lines have identified a variety of human phenotypes that appear to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, with new symptoms being recognized over time [].Symptoms of severe cases of COVID-19 appear to be better characterized and more consistent, accounting for … However, because you don’t need an insanely high amount of zinc each day, you can easily make small adjustments to meet your intake if you suspect you’re not getting enough, says Crandall. In fact, zinc deficiency can result in … The best way to do that? Zinc is also important to wound healing and your sense of taste and smell.With a varied diet, your body usually gets enough zinc. Zinc deficiency can also lead to copper deficiency. Common symptoms include increased rates of diarrhea. Zinc Deficiency is Common. When you don’t get enough of it, your body can’t fight the effects of harmful free radicals and inflammation spikes, two risk factors that have been tied to chronic disease, says Dr. Prasad. Loss Of Appetite. Zinc is the mineral that helps your intestines fight off infection, and without it, your infection might become more serious. Zinc deficiency has been linked to a slew of health conditions, like diabetes, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, and more. Zinc plays a role in most of your senses, including taste and smell.