Symptoms of the eyes

Zinc deficiency can lead to disturbances of sensory functions, for example to changes in vision. The trace element itself is found in increased amounts in the retina and is particularly important for vision at twilight and at night. Zinc is essential for the metabolism of vitamin A, which plays an important role in the visual process.

Zinc also protects the sensitive cells of the retina from damage by toxic substances, cell stress or UV light. Zinc deficiency causes difficulties in twilight vision up to night blindness. In addition to visual disturbances, dry eyes often occur as well.

Increased inflammation of the eye is an expression of the weakened immune system in zinc deficiency. A balanced diet, in which the body is supplied with sufficient amounts of zinc, can therefore support the health of the eyes and protect against visual disorders caused by zinc deficiency. In addition to the visual sense, other sensory organs such as the sense of smell or taste can also be disturbed.

Symptoms on the skin

Zinc deficiency can be accompanied by numerous symptoms on the skin. A reduced wound healing is noticeable, because zinc plays an important role in the cornification process of the skin and in the production of connective tissue. A chronic zinc deficiency can also lead to other skin abnormalities and diseases.

This includes acne, for example. Acne is characterized by the constipation and inflammation of sebaceous glands of the skin. In addition, zinc is important for the regulated process of the skin’s fat metabolism.

A disorder can manifest itself through dry skin with increased impurities or the formation of dandruff. Torn corners of the mouth can also be attributed to a zinc deficiency, as can bacterial or viral infections, for example lip herpes or genital herpes. Zinc, as an important component in the synthesis of collagen, is not only important for healthy skin, but also for healthy scalp, hair and nails. In the case of the congenital, genetic zinc deficiency disease, dermatitis enteropathica, symptoms such as crusty, blistery skin appear even in infancy.