The human body properly functions only with the right amount of necessary vitamins and minerals. A valuable example of such nutrients is zinc, a mineral necessary for your body to fight infections and produce new cells. With such a fundamental role in the human body, it’s no surprise that any zinc deficiency may be detrimental to your health.
How Does Mild Zinc Deficiency Develop?
Zinc is one of the essential elements in the human biological system, helping the body ward off infections, heal injuries and manage the senses of smell and taste. Although your body does not need a large quantity of zinc intake for proper function, even so, you can still develop a zinc deficiency.
An adult needs no more than 11 milligrams of zinc on a daily average. For breastfeeding women, the quantity increases to 12 milligrams. The only way you can develop zinc deficiency is if you skip some of the following foods:
- Red meat;
- Oysters;
- Seafood (especially crab and lobster);
- Cereal;
- Nuts;
- Whole grains;
- Dairy products;
- Beans.
These foods are consistent with providing the human body with abundant zinc levels. Therefore, not eating any foods with zinc in their composition makes zinc deficiency a troubling prospect.
What Are the Signs of Zinc Deficiency?
Zinc is essential for the human body, so it is only natural that zinc deficiency has some severe and harmful symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms are:
- Loss of appetite;
- Delayed wound healing;
- Impaired sense of smell and taste;
- Weakened immune system;
- Hormonal imbalances.
Can Zinc Deficiency Cause Weight Loss?
A severe symptom of zinc deficiency is drastic weight loss. Because they impair the senses of smell and taste, zinc deficiency may influence the appetite.
Zinc Deficiency and Anxiety
Another zinc deficiency symptom is frequent mood changes. Zinc deficiency can lead to neurological and somatic symptoms, such as increased anxiety, irritability, emotional instability and depression. This is why a lot of anxiety and anti-depression medications contain zinc.
Zinc Deficiency and Nails
The association between the body’s zinc levels and nails speaks about the function of your metabolism. Zinc encourages the production and strength of protein in your body. And because nails contain protein, zinc deficiency can influence their toughness. If the zinc deficiency is significant, a person could lose their nails completely.
Does Zinc Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?
Failure to address zinc deficiency promptly may result in hair loss. Zinc has a significant role in regulating hormone levels and keeping your metabolism healthy. Hormones are tied to your hair growth, keeping it strong and healthy. Because of zinc deficiency, the immune system is jeopardized, and you can develop alopecia, an auto-immune disease that causes significant hair loss.
Can Zinc Deficiency Cause Fatigue?
Fatigue is the most common symptom of zinc deficiency. Without enough zinc, the body will lack the required energy levels for metabolism, and the muscles will lose their functional capacity.
Can Zinc Deficiency Cause Dizziness?
If you experience dizziness through an episode of zinc deficiency, it is time to call your physician. Zinc has a lot of essential roles in your bodies, so experiencing dizziness means your levels are dangerously low. Dizziness and fatigue symptoms may lead to unconsciousness.
Can Zinc Deficiency Cause Skin Problems?
Zinc is the primary mineral that helps your body fight infection and heal your wounds. Therefore, zinc deficiency will impair your body’s ability to heal. Zinc deficiency can also lead to eczema and rashes that won’t heal with lotions or moisturizers. Your rashes, wounds and eczema will truly heal only by regulating your zinc levels.
Is There Such a Thing as Severe Zinc Deficiency?
In some cases, your zinc levels can get so low that they will lead to more severe symptoms. Although uncommon, severe zinc deficiency can be very harmful and lead to impotence, pregnancy issues, skin and eye lesions, hair loss, diarrhea, delayed sexual maturation and hypogonadism in males.
What Are the Best Zinc Supplements?
If you want to ensure a healthy zinc intake, zinc supplements may be your next step. Such is the preferred approach for vegetarians, who can’t take their zinc from red meat or seafood. Some of the best zinc supplementation products are:
#1: Thorne Research Zinc Picolinate
One capsule of Thorne Research Zinc Picolinate provides 30mg of zinc, a safe quantity for your body to take in at once.
#2: Good State Ionic Liquid Zinc Ultra Concentrate
Maybe you are not really on good terms with pills. That’s not going to be a problem! This zinc supplement comes in liquid form, which is especially good for children. It also allows you to customize the doses and mix them directly with water or juice.
#3: Swanson Zinc Gluconate
The Swanson supplements are well known for their affordable price. One capsule is priced at a few cents, perfect if you don’t wish to purchase for the long run. The only downside to these supplements is that the dosage may be a little high for some people, so be sure to check the label before consumption.
A Parting Reminder
If you ever find yourself experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, weight and hair loss, fatigue or dizziness, don’t hesitate to contact your physician. Zinc deficiency can turn into a life-threatening problem. Because zinc is such an essential mineral, experiencing zinc deficiency can only lead to significant health issues.
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