Zinc is a nutrient that most people are mildly deficient in at all times. The primary dietary source of zinc is meat, so zinc deficiency is especially found in vegetarians, adolescents and the elderly. Zinc is used by at least 50 different enzymes in the body so it has widespread functions.
Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency
-poor wound healing
-poor taste and smell
-anosmia (loss of sense of smell or altered sense of smell)
-dysgeusia (loss or diminished sense of taste)
-anorexia
-retarded growth and sexual maturation in children
-impotence and infertility
-prostate hypertrophy (BPH)
-increased tendency to get infections (if you have a cold, take zinc to help get over it faster)
-rash (notice type and location!)
-get peripheral (especially hands and lower legs) eczema or seborrheic dermatitis
-may show up on various parts of the face
-tremor
-various types of emotional problems
-nyctalopia (night blindness)
-to convert Vitamin A to its active form requires zinc
-white spots on the nails
- Note: you will also get this from a whack on the nail so rule out trauma first and look for it to be in different locations on several nails (this is less likely to be trauma)
The symptoms listed above are found with Zinc deficiency, but are not exclusively diagnostic of a deficiency. Always seek the guidance of your primary health care provider if you suspect you may be suffering with a deficiency.
Food Sources of Zinc
Supplementation is always an option. However, as a general rule, it is always best to look for vitamins and nutrients in their natural dietary form within food. Zinc is found primarily in meat sources. The following are good food sources of Zinc:
Oysters, Beef, Chicken giblets, Crab, Lamb, Duck
If your diet is not rich in these foods, you should consider taking a daily supplement. Prevent deficiency and ensure you’re getting Zinc through diet and supplements!
Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency
-poor wound healing
-poor taste and smell
-anosmia (loss of sense of smell or altered sense of smell)
-dysgeusia (loss or diminished sense of taste)
-anorexia
-retarded growth and sexual maturation in children
-impotence and infertility
-prostate hypertrophy (BPH)
-increased tendency to get infections (if you have a cold, take zinc to help get over it faster)
-rash (notice type and location!)
-get peripheral (especially hands and lower legs) eczema or seborrheic dermatitis
-may show up on various parts of the face
-tremor
-various types of emotional problems
-nyctalopia (night blindness)
-to convert Vitamin A to its active form requires zinc
-white spots on the nails
- Note: you will also get this from a whack on the nail so rule out trauma first and look for it to be in different locations on several nails (this is less likely to be trauma)
The symptoms listed above are found with Zinc deficiency, but are not exclusively diagnostic of a deficiency. Always seek the guidance of your primary health care provider if you suspect you may be suffering with a deficiency.
Food Sources of Zinc
Supplementation is always an option. However, as a general rule, it is always best to look for vitamins and nutrients in their natural dietary form within food. Zinc is found primarily in meat sources. The following are good food sources of Zinc:
Oysters, Beef, Chicken giblets, Crab, Lamb, Duck
If your diet is not rich in these foods, you should consider taking a daily supplement. Prevent deficiency and ensure you’re getting Zinc through diet and supplements!
Photo Credit: © Robert Lerich | Dreamstime Stock Photos
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