We receive compensation from the providers of the services and products featured on this website. This impacts the offers’ positioning, rating & scoring. Advertising Disclosure

STDWatch
Dr. Andrea Pinto Lopez

Jul 06, 20227 min read

Signs of Low Zinc Levels

The information provided herein does not constitute an expert or medical advice, nor intended to replace such advice.

post-cover

Zinc is a mineral that can be found in different foods and supplements, and it plays an important role in our health. But have you ever wondered what causes zinc deficiency and what its consequences may be?

Keep reading to learn more about low zinc levels, its causes, signs, and how to avoid this problem.

Functions of zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral, which means that the human body only needs very small amounts of it in order to function properly. But that doesn’t mean that zinc is unimportant: according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, at least 100 enzymes need zinc to carry out their functions. Zinc is involved in processes that include:

  • DNA creation
  • Building proteins
  • Cell growth
  • Immune function
  • Tissue repair
  • Taste and smell

Zinc is especially important during periods of fast growth, such as childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy. According to MedlinePlus, zinc is the second most prevalent trace mineral in the human body, after iron.

Causes of zinc deficiency

Zinc deficiency can be congenital or acquired. Congenital zinc deficiencies are typically more severe, while acquired deficiency is usually milder and affects adult patients.

According to the MSD Manuals, causes of acquired zinc deficiency include:

  • A diet too high in fiber and phytates
  • Taking diuretics
  • Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia, malabsorption, alcohol abuse, chronic kidney disease, and liver disease, among others
  • A recent acute, stressful condition, such as sepsis or burns
  • Older patients who are institutionalized or homebound

Low zinc levels symptoms

The effects of low zinc levels can be very subtle, and they can go unnoticed for some time. According to BMJ Best Practice, signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency can include:

  • Slow wound healing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Impaired sense of taste
  • Hair loss
  • Acne
  • Vision problems
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent infections
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Low alertness
  • Diarrhea
  • Fertility problems

Best source of zinc

Your zinc requirements will vary depending on your age, sex, diet, and stage of life. Healthy adults need approximately 11mg per day for men, and 8mg for women. As with many other micronutrients, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding have slightly higher requirements. Vegetarians or vegans may also need higher amounts of zinc, since certain compounds found in legumes, vegetables, and cereals can reduce zinc absorption.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the highest sources of zinc include:

  • Oysters
  • Red meat
  • Seafood
  • Poultry
  • Fortified cereals
  • Beans
  • Whole grains
  • Nuts
  • Dairy products

Additionally, most multivitamin supplements contain some zinc. You’re not recommended to take supplements that exceed your recommended dietary allowance. Taking too much zinc can also lead to certain health problems, such as copper deficiency and neurological symptoms.

At-home zinc test

A DYI home test for zinc deficiency has become popular online. In this test, you’re meant to hold a teaspoon of a liquid zinc supplement in your mouth for up to 30 seconds. If you perceive a bitter taste, this is meant to indicate normal zinc levels. If, on the contrary, you don’t taste anything, it means that you have zinc deficiency.

However, it’s very important to keep in mind that DIY tests can be very unreliable. If you suspect that you have low zinc levels, it’s a much better idea to seek medical assistance so you can get the correct tests for diagnosis.

Visit STDWatch.com now to learn more about many other health topics.

Sources

Zinc - hsph.harvard.edu

Zinc in diet - medlineplus.gov

Zinc Deficiency - msdmanuals.com

Zinc deficiency - bestpractice.bmj.com

Zinc - ods.od.nih.gov


More from the Health and Wellness category

Where does LetsGetChecked Deliver?
post-cover
Where does LetsGetChecked deliver? Today, we talk you through LetsGetChecked's delivery locations as well as how the service differs between the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Canada.
Mar 25, 2022

Hannah Kingston

7 min read

Rectal Bleeding: Could it Be an STI?
post-cover
Any amount of rectal bleeding can be alarming. It isn’t something that we’re used to seeing, so you may wonder whether there’s something wrong with your health. Here's what you need to know.
Mar 25, 2022

Hannah Kingston

7 min read

How to Increase Estrogen Levels
post-cover
Wondering how to increase estrogen levels? Read on to find out how to naturally and medically increase estrogen levels.
Mar 25, 2022

Hannah Kingston

7 min read