Signs You Might Have A Zinc Deficiency

Introduction

Zinc is a mineral required for several bodily processes. It is essential for cellular function, proper growth and development and overall health. Moreover, zinc can help support mucosal barrier integrity and modulate immune responses,and so is said to help the body fight infections¹.  

Although there are several food items rich in zinc, its deficiency is still common and widespread in India. Studies reveal that overall zinc deficiency was found to be highest in Orissa followed by Uttar Pradesh². Fortunately, through dietary changes and supplements, it’s possible to reverse zinc deficiency.  

In this blog, we will learn all about zinc deficiency, including its symptoms, how it is detected and how it can be treated. 

Why is Zinc Necessary?

Because your body doesn’t naturally produce zinc, you must obtain it through food or supplements. Zinc is a vital nutrient naturally present in some foods, added to others and also available as a dietary supplement. Zinc is responsible for several bodily functions. Some of the benefits provided by zinc include^1,3: 

• Required for cellular function- cellular metabolism, cell division, DNA and protein synthesis 
• Helps in growth and development 
• Aids in wound healing 
• Needed for proper sense of taste and smell 
• Helps in regulation of immune system  
• Aids the process of insulin storage and secretion and metabolism of thyroid hormones 
• Important for maintaining fertility in males 
• Helpful for the nervous system- involved in neuronal signalling, synaptic transmission, and essential for normal brain function, especially learning and memory 
• Aids the activity of various essential enzymes   

Who Needs the Most Zinc in Their Bodies?

Zinc is responsible for the smooth functioning of various cellular processes, immune systems, supporting physical growth and development, from birth, through adolescence, up to adulthood. During pregnancy, infancy and childhood, daily zinc requirements are said to increase⁴. Moreover, certain groups of people are more vulnerable to zinc deficiency and should be mindful of their zinc intake. The list includes^5,6:  

• People who have had gastrointestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery.  
• People with digestive disorders, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. 
• Excessive consumption of alcohol, as alcohol reduces zinc absorption in the body and increases zinc loss in urine.  
• Infants over 6 months of age who only breastfeed.  
• People with sickle cell disease. 
• People who have limited access to zinc-enriched foods, such as oysters, shellfish or animal products, are also likely to have low zinc levels in their bodies 

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by impaired zinc absorption, seen 
rashes and diarrhoea, particularly in children⁷. 

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

Many times, zinc deficiency may not present with any detectable symptoms. However, there are chances that a person with zinc deficiency may experience symptoms such as^8,9: 

• Unexplained weight loss 
• Hair loss 
• Dizziness or nausea, rarely 
• Wounds that won’t heal well 
• Lack of alertness 
• Decreased sense of smell and taste 
• Diarrhoea 
• Loss of appetite 
• Impotence &/or erectile dysfunction 
• Growth retardation 
• Weak immunity 

Zinc deficiency can worsen the course of diarrheal illnesses by impairing intestinal mucosal repair and immune defence. Zinc supplementation is shown to reduce duration and severity of acute diarrhoea, especially in children, and is recommended by WHO during diarrheal episodes. 

How to Treat Zinc Deficiency?

Zinc is important for several vital functions in your body. If you’re a vegetarian, it might be more difficult to meet daily zinc intake, but you can explore supplements. To start boosting zinc intake, consider eating more: 

• Whole grains 
• Poultry 
• Seeds 
• Dairy products 
• Wheat germ 
• Wild rice 
• Oysters 
• Baked beans 
• Peas 
• Cashews 
• Almonds 

Discuss with your doctor before including any new food item to your routine diet, especially if you have any medical conditions like diabetes. 

Zinc Supplements

Your doctor can treat your zinc deficiency right away with zinc supplements. These are available in multivitamins or as zinc gluconate, zinc sulphate or zinc acetate.  

It is important to note that that zinc can interact with some antibiotics and high blood pressure medicines (diuretics). Zinc can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics, such as tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline) and fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin), when taken at the same time. 
Diuretics like thiazides (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) can cause increased urinary zinc loss, potentially leading to deficiency with long-term use.
So, talk to your doctor about the right spacing between the dose of zinc-containing supplements and other medicines that you may be taking. This will reduce any chances of interaction between ongoing medicines.

Excess intake of zinc can also be harmful and zinc supplementation should be done under medical supervision. Common therapeutic doses range from 10–40 mg/day, but long-term use of >40 mg/day may cause copper deficiency and other side effects¹⁰. Zinc supplements are often prescribed for 2–3 months, depending on severity and underlying cause. The best practice is to take these supplements based on your doctor’s advice. 

Conclusion

In most cases, a zinc deficiency is not an emergency, but it can affect the health in several ways. Zinc deficiency in men can be a cause of impotence, while zinc deficiency in pregnant women may affect the development of the baby. Zinc is an important supplement for people fighting chronic illnesses and acute infections. Zinc plays a critical role in managing diarrhoea, especially in children, along with oral rehydration solutions and other medications to reduce the severity of the illness.  

Include zinc-rich foods in your diet, watch for any symptoms of zinc deficiency and get it treated at the earliest. Talk to your doctor about zinc supplementation and always take as advised. 

References

1. Kiouri DP, Tsoupra E, Peana M, Perlepes SP, Stefanidou ME, Chasapis CT. Multifunctional role of zinc in human health: an update. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10539547/ 
2. Kapil U, Jain K. Magnitude of zinc deficiency amongst under five children in India. Indian J Pediatr. 2011;78(9):1069-1072. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21318393/ 
3. Stiles, L.I., Ferrao, K. & Mehta, K.J. Role of zinc in health and disease. Clin Exp Med 2024;24(38).https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10238-024-01302-6  
4. Roohani N, Hurrell R, Kelishadi R, Schulin R. Zinc and its importance for human health: An integrative review. J Res Med Sci. 2013;18(2):144-157 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3724376/  
5. Skrovanek S, DiGuilio K, Bailey R, et al. Zinc and gastrointestinal disease. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2014;5(4):496-513. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4231515/  
6. Zinc: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements [Internet]. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/  
7. Pinto M, Bhat M R, Dandekeri S, Kambil SM. Acrodermatitis enteropathica in an infant with normal zinc levels. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2015;81:70-71 https://ijdvl.com/acrodermatitis-enteropathica-in-an-infant-with-normal-zinc-levels/#:~:text=Acrodermatitis%20enteropathica%20is%20a%20rare,on%20initiation%20of%20zinc%20therapy.  
8. Maxfield L, Shukla S, Crane JS. Zinc Deficiency. [Updated 2023 Jun 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493231/  
9. Li J, Cao D, Huang Y, et al. Zinc Intakes and Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review. Front Nutr. 2022;9:798078. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8861317/ 
10. Bloom A, Bloom S, Silva H, Nicoll AJ, Sawhney R. Zinc supplementation and its benefits in the management of chronic liver disease: An in-depth literature review. Annals of hepatology. 2021 Nov 1;25:100549.https://www.elsevier.es/en-revista-annals-hepatology-16-articulo-zinc-supplementation-its-benefits-in-S1665268121002489  

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof. 

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