Last Update: February 08, 2023, 19:25 IST
Zinc deficiency can cause side effects such as hair loss, lack of attention, and reduced sense of taste and smell.
The body uses zinc to produce new healthy cells and improve immunity. When there is a deficiency of zinc in the body, its symptoms appear as follows.
Zinc is one of the essential minerals that the body needs to fight infection and produce healthy cells. It is important for healing injuries and making healthy DNA, which is the genetic blueprint in all cells of the body. Zinc deficiency can cause side effects such as hair loss, lack of attention, reduced sense of taste and smell, and more.
Zinc is used by the body to produce new healthy cells and improve immunity. When there is a deficiency of zinc in the body, the following symptoms appear:
unexplained weight loss
wounds that won’t heal
decreased sense of smell and taste
lack of vigilance
loss of appetite
Diarrhea
open sores on the skin
impotence
feeling irritable
eye problem
due to zinc deficiency
Some people may not be able to meet their daily zinc requirement in their diet due to their eating habits and charts. For example, protein is important for zinc absorption but vegetarians and vegans and people on long-term restricted diets do not get as much protein as non-vegetarian eaters. This puts vegetarians and vegans at a higher risk of being affected by zinc deficiency.
diagnosis
If you think you or someone you know is suffering from zinc deficiency, see your doctor. They may suggest blood tests. But sometimes, blood tests don’t seem reliable when the anemia is mild. The best way to diagnose zinc deficiency is to see whether taking zinc supplements improves symptoms. It takes up to 3 days for symptoms to improve.
How to Improve Zinc Intake
Zinc-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, seeds, wheat germ, wild rice and oysters may help improve your symptoms if the deficiency is mild. If you’re a vegetarian, baked beans, cashews, peas and almonds can help you improve your zinc intake.
Zinc supplements can also be used in case the deficiency is severe. It is found in multivitamin supplements and cold medicines. But make sure you do not use cold medicines without your doctor’s prescription as it can lead to other side effects. Also, the upper limit of zinc intake is 40 mg per day. Make sure you don’t cross the limit.
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