Zinc deficiency: symptoms
Zinc is a vital trace element that is involved in many processes in the human body, such as cell division, wound healing and immune defense. Accordingly, the symptoms of zinc deficiency can be varied. Possible are for example:
- Skin changes (dermatitis = skin inflammation)
- impaired wound healing
- hair loss
- loss of appetite
- Reduced sense of taste
- diarrhea
- growth retardation
- increased susceptibility to infections
If a congenital absorption disorder is behind the zinc deficiency, a so-called acrodermatitis enteropathica can develop. Affected individuals develop the following symptoms already in the first months of life:
- symmetrical skin rash around the orifices, on the hands, feet and head
- mucosal changes, for example gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
- retarded growth
- increased susceptibility to infections
- nervous system disorders
Zinc deficiency difficult to detect
Many of the symptoms mentioned are not specific to a zinc deficiency, but also occur in other diseases or deficiency states. A zinc deficiency is difficult to clearly determine, because zinc as a trace element is only present in the blood in very low concentrations. Evidence of a zinc deficiency is therefore the disappearance of symptoms after zinc has been added.
Connection with other disorders
- In one study, researchers found that children with ADHD often have low levels of zinc and copper.
- A summary analysis of several studies (meta-analysis) showed that people with depression often have low levels of zinc in their blood.
- Chinese scientists discovered that the seminal fluid of men with low fertility usually has low zinc levels.
Zinc deficiency: causes
With a balanced diet, the requirement for zinc recommended by the German, Austrian, and Swiss Societies for Nutrition (DACH reference value) is easily met. The risk of zinc deficiency in this country is therefore extremely low.
But there are exceptions. For example, a sufficient supply of zinc is critical for competitive athletes, because they excrete more of the trace element, for example through sweat and urine. However, zinc plays an important role in muscle building. Competitive athletes should therefore pay particular attention to an adequate zinc intake.
Irrespective of this, a zinc deficiency can be based on the following causes:
- chronic inflammatory bowel diseases: These include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, for example. They restrict the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients.
- high phytate intake: Phytate is a substance in plants that is needed for photosynthesis, for example. In the human intestine, it impedes zinc absorption because it binds the trace element. Vegetarians and vegans who eat mainly or exclusively plant products should therefore pay particular attention to their zinc supply.
A phytate-related zinc deficiency can be prevented relatively easily by consuming only products that are germinated, acidified, fermented or soaked. This processing breaks down the phytate contained in plant foods.
Correct zinc deficiency
If there are possible signs of zinc deficiency, it is sometimes sufficient to specifically include zinc-rich foods (such as meat, legumes, etc.) in the diet. Under certain circumstances, however, it may be advisable or necessary to take zinc supplements – for example, in the case of illness-related or congenital zinc absorption disorders. However, zinc supplements should only be taken in consultation with a doctor. An excessive intake of zinc can cause an overdose and thus poisoning symptoms.
Preventive intake of zinc?
It is also not generally recommended to take zinc supplements as a preventive measure during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Even though the body needs more of the trace element than normal in these phases, a balanced diet is usually sufficient to ensure the supply and prevent a zinc deficiency.
