Zinc deficiency
What is Zinc?
Zinc is an essential mineral that is important for immune function, wound healing, and normal taste and smell. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. It is present in bones, teeth, hair and muscles, and is involved in many enzyme systems in the body.
Zinc deficiency can be caused by not eating enough high-zinc foods, such as seafood, meat, eggs and nuts. It may also be linked to other diseases including cystic fibrosis. Alcohol abuse, dialysis and severe burns can also lead to a deficiency of zinc in the body.
Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency
There can be many symptoms of zinc deficiency; listed below are some of the more common ones. You should always consult your doctor should you be concerned about these symptoms.
- Poor growth in children
- Skin or hair problems
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Immune disorders and susceptibility to infections
- Impaired taste and smell
- Delayed wound healing
Treatment:
- Consult your GP as to the underlying cause of the deficiency
- Zinc supplements
- Eat a balanced diet including zinc-rich foods such as lean meat, seafood, dairy products, nuts, pulses and wholemeal bread.
Always use medication as instructed by your doctor.