ZINC DEFICIENCY

 Basic information

description

Zinc deficiency is an inadequate amount of zinc in the body's cells. This affects the function of the testicles, liver, and muscles, and affects the structure of bones, teeth, hair, and skin. Zinc is a vital part of many enzymes that aid chemical reactions needed for normal body function. This includes immune function and skin healing. Zinc deficiency can affect all ages. Mild zinc deficiency may be common, but it is difficult to diagnose and the symptoms can be subtle. Severe zinc deficiency is less common, but has known symptoms.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Poor appetite and diarrhea.
• Children have poor growth and delayed sexual development.
• Sensations of unpleasant tastes and odors, or decreased senses of taste and smell.
• Decreased sex drive.
• Rough skin.
• Eye problems (e.g., poor night vision).
• Sparse hair growth.
• Deformed nails.
• Poor wound healing.
• Increase in number of infections.
• Mental or emotional changes.
• Pregnancy problems, such as spontaneous abortion or failure to gain adequate weight.

causes

Zinc deficiency is caused by an increased need, increased loss, decreased absorption, or diet problems.

risk increases with

• A need for an increase in zinc requirements:
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Rapid growth in children.
  • Burns or major trauma.
• Increased loss of zinc:
  • Diabetes, cirrhosis, renal disease, sickle cell anemia.
  • Malabsorption disorders.
  • Diuretic drug use.
• Decreased absorption:
  • Certain inherited disorders.
  • Parasite infection.
  • Diet high in phytates (plant fiber).
  • Certain drugs (e.g., tetracyclines and quinolones).
  • Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery.
• Insufficient amount of zinc in diet:
  • Being a vegetarian.
  • Breast-feeding.
  • Being fed through a vein (parenteral feeding).
  • Alcoholism.
  • Elderly persons living in institutions.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Eat a normal, healthy diet.
• Use zinc supplements if needed.

expected outcomes

In many cases, zinc supplementation is sufficient to resolve the deficiency. In some cases, the outcome depends on the underlying cause.

possible complications

Complications are similar to Signs & Symptoms. Death can occur in severe zinc deficiency.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider may do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and diet. A diagnosis is usually based on the person's signs and symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. Medical studies may be done on blood or urine to determine zinc levels. However, these studies do not completely measure zinc status because of the way zinc is stored in the body. Other medical tests may be done to determine any underlying disorder.
• Treatment usually consists of treating the underlying cause, zinc supplements, and diet changes if needed.

medications

Oral or injected zinc supplements will be prescribed.

activity

No limits.

diet

• Eat foods high in zinc such as red meat or pork, seafood, milk, eggs, grains, beans, or nuts. A dietitian can be of help with meal planning.
• Avoid excessive intake of foods with high phytate content (e.g., raw cereals).

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has zinc deficiency symptoms.
• Symptoms worsen or don't improve with treatment.

Special Notes: