Symptoms Of Zinc Deficiency

Severe zinc deficiency

Severe zinc deficiency could lead to changes in one’s skin, diarrhea, loss of hair, mental issues, and impaired immune function.

In cases of severe zinc deficiency, dwarfism and total absence of sexual function could also result.

Zinc deficiency in children

Children could display poor appetite and slow development. With zinc deficiency, they could even have poor attention spans and learning disabilities. Sexual development could be slowed and acne could set in in later years.

Females who are deficient in zinc could experience delayed menstruation in their teenage years.

Testing for zinc deficiency

According to Michael T Murray, ND, in his book “Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally”, the best lab method of testing for zinc levels in the body is by measuring the amount of zinc inside white blood cells (ie the leukocyte zinc level). He wrote that other common testing methods, such as hair and blood measurements, are “not reliable”.

References

Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements. 5th ed. New York, NY: Avery, 2010. Print.

Haas, Elson M., MD, and Levin, Buck, PhD, RD. Staying Healthy With Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine. New York, NY: Celestial Arts, 2006. Print.

Murray, Michael T., ND. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press, 1996. Print.

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