Zinc Deficiency

Conditions associated with zinc deficiency include:

• Growth retardation
• Loss of appetite
• Impaired immune function
• Allergy
• Hair loss
• Hypopigmentation of hair
• Nail changes such as white spots
• Acne
• Dermatitis
• Stomatitis
• Glossitis
• Diarrhea
• Delayed sexual maturation
• Impotence
• Reduced testosterone
• Hypogonadism in males
• Prostate disease
• Fertility issues for men and women
• Suboptimal pregnancy outcomes
• Impaired glycaemic control
• Weight loss
• Delayed healing of wounds
• Loss of smell
• Taste abnormalities
• ADHD
• Mental lethargy
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Age-related macular degeneration

References:

1. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
2. Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamins A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222310/
3. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/file/publications/17122_nhmrc_nrv_update-dietary_intakes-web.pdf
4. World Health Organization. Trace elements in human nutrition and health. 1996. Available from: http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/micronutrients/9241561734/en/
5. Wada O. What are Trace Elements. JMAJ. 2004; 47(8): 351-358.
6. Aliasgharpour M, Rahnamaye FM. Elements in human nutrition: A review. 2013; 2(3): 115-128.
7. Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and Natural Supplements: An evidence based guide. 4th Edition, Vol 2. Australia. Elsevier, 2015.

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