Zinc deficiency: Causes, treatment, and symptoms

Zinc deficiency is life-threatening for humans; we cannot survive without zinc. As a trace element, it is involved in cell division, wound healing, and immune defense. The symptoms are correspondingly diverse. The following signs may indicate zinc deficiency:

• inflammatory skin changes (e.g., dermatitis)
• impaired or slowed wound healing
• hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• diarrhea
• increased susceptibility to infections
• less intense sense of taste

The mentioned zinc deficiency symptoms also apply to women. A special form of zinc deficiency can occur in newborns who have a genetically caused absorption disorder for zinc. Then, an acrodermatitis enteropathica can appear in the first months of life. This is characterized, for example, by symmetrical skin rashes that can appear on the hands, feet, head, and body openings. Mucous membrane changes such as gingivitis, delayed growth, and increased susceptibility to infections are also often noticeable. So you can see how important the treatment of zinc deficiency is.

Correctly recognizing zinc deficiency is unfortunately not easy. The symptoms mentioned are not unique to zinc deficiency but occur in many diseases. Additionally, zinc as a trace element is present in very small amounts in the blood, making corresponding blood tests difficult to impossible. Therefore, diagnosing and correcting zinc deficiency happens in one step. If the perceived symptoms disappear after zinc administration, zinc deficiency has been diagnosed.

Since zinc deficiency is very rare in this country, it is reasonable to ask which factors promote zinc deficiency. Athletes can be more frequently affected by zinc deficiency because their bodies excrete the element more.

Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease can also cause reduced zinc intake. Otherwise, congenital zinc absorption disorders are often the cause. 

To prevent the effects of zinc deficiency on skin and nails from becoming severe, a deficiency should be corrected as quickly as possible. Sometimes it is enough to eat more zinc-rich foods. If this intake is not sufficient, zinc supplements can be taken. You should only do this in consultation with your doctor. A zinc overdose can have negative effects on your health, so preventive zinc intake is not recommended.  

As we have seen, too much zinc is by no means healthy. High doses occur when the body can no longer process the amount of zinc consumed. Then symptoms of zinc overdose can appear, such as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

At very high doses, the toxic effects of zinc on the intestines can increase, which is called zinc poisoning. As you can see, you should be careful and only take zinc if you have an existing zinc deficiency. 

You might also have a zinc ointment at home. Zinc can be helpful for the skin for various reasons. Zinc acts antibacterially, anti-inflammatory, and antiandrogenically. It can support skin regeneration, for example with injuries or inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, it may help the skin maintain normal sebum production.

In the cosmetics industry, zinc is increasingly used for firm and elastic skin, partly because it is involved in collagen formation. So if you do not have a zinc deficiency, additional zinc intake is not necessary. However, this trace element can offer benefits for your skin.

Yes, you can overdose on zinc. Since we only need very small amounts of zinc, overdosing can happen more easily and quickly than you might think. It is therefore recommended to take zinc supplements only after consulting a doctor. Even with zinc deficiency, zinc-rich foods are often enough to correct the deficiency.

Zinc is involved in numerous metabolic processes, which is why the symptoms of a deficiency can be very diverse. Zinc deficiency can cause inflammatory skin reactions, such as dermatitis. Hair loss due to zinc deficiency is also possible, along with the following symptoms: 

• Taste disorders
• Wound healing disorders
• Immune weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Growth problems
• Hormonal imbalances
  
  

Zinc can have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiandrogenic effects. Therefore, zinc can be helpful for minor injuries and for skin regeneration.