It’s hard to imagine that people living in the United States are deficient in nutrients, yet 12% of the American population is at risk of zinc deficiency. Up to 40% of elderly individuals are at risk because of a poor diet and lowered absorption ability.
While the information about how zinc works in the body is limited, one thing we do know is that zinc is vital for helping your body repair DNA and protect against oxidative stress.
If you’re wondering about your risk of deficiency, consider if you have these five symptoms of a zinc deficiency.
- Appetite Loss
Do you experience a loss of appetite? Perhaps you have unexplained weight loss that you can link to eating less. Some people also report strange taste experiences.
These symptoms occur because zinc helps maintain your sense of smell and taste. How you experience food directly relies on these two senses, so when they aren’t functioning to their full potential, you lose enjoyment and interest in food.
- Hair Loss
Not everyone that experiences hair loss has a zinc deficiency. Not everyone with a deficiency will see hair loss. If you see more than usual hair shedding or thin spots, a lack of zinc could be the culprit.
Thankfully, this is one symptom that’s easily fixed and reversed. You can take a supplement that contains zinc, such as Skin Hair And Nail Vitamins. With consistent use, you’ll begin to see hair regrowth.
- Poor Immune System Function
If you find yourself getting sick more often or more severely sick than others, you might have a zinc deficiency. Adding zinc to your diet can fortify and boost your immune system. This helps your body fight off harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Poor Wound Healing
Zinc plays a core role in how your body reproduces cells and heals itself. Without the right amount of zinc, you’ll see your wounds failing to heal or several eye and skin lesions.
For your blood to coagulate, you need zinc. It also boosts immune function at the wound site. Then it will help during the repair process with skin cell growth.
If a scar develops, zinc plays a role in this with protein and collagen production.
Prevent Zinc Deficiency
Vegetarians and those with chronic conditions are more at risk of zinc deficiency. You can combat lower zinc levels by eating plenty of lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
Try incorporating beef chuck roast, milk, yogurt, chickpeas, instant plain oatmeal, oysters, and baked beans into your diet. You can also start taking a zinc supplement.
Do You Have a Zinc Deficiency?
If you think you may have a zinc deficiency, it’s best to speak with your doctor. They can discuss your symptoms and determine if you have a zinc deficiency or another medical issue. They may perform tests to confirm your suspicions and provide you with suggestions to address your deficiency if you have one.
Check out our other articles for more helpful advice about taking control of your health.