Zinc Deficiency

Definition

Nutritional deficiency resulting from inadequate zinc intake or absorption, compromising immune function and protein synthesis. Affects growth, wound healing, and taste perception.

How it works

Zinc deficiency develops when dietary intake is consistently inadequate or absorption is compromised due to gastrointestinal disorders, certain medications, or excessive losses. Zinc is critical for more than 300 enzymes and is essential for immune cell development, wound healing, and protein synthesis. Deficiency symptoms include impaired immunity with increased infection risk, poor wound healing, alopecia (hair loss), diarrhea, dermatitis, and altered taste perception. Severe deficiency causes growth retardation in children and reproductive dysfunction. Risk factors include vegetarian/vegan diets without proper planning, malabsorption disorders, chronic liver disease, and chronic diarrhea.

Role

Zinc deficiency compromises immune function, protein synthesis, and tissue repair mechanisms.

Examples

• Inadequate intake of meat, shellfish, legumes, nuts
• Malabsorption conditions
• Vegetarian/vegan diets
• Chronic losses

Recommendations

Ensure adequate zinc intake through shellfish, meat, legumes, and seeds; vegetarians need 1.5× RDA. Supplement only when deficiency is confirmed through testing; excess zinc impairs copper absorption and immune function.

Key takeaway

Zinc deficiency significantly impairs immunity and wound healing, requiring attention to dietary adequacy or supplementation when indicated.

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