Zinc is necessary for many bodily processes, including gene expression, enzymatic reactions, protein synthesis, and DNA synthesis.
Zinc plays a vital role in overall health and well-being. Found in a variety of plant and animal foods, zinc improves immune function, regulates skin health and cell growth, and protects against acne, inflammation, and other conditions.
According to doctors, zinc is necessary for many processes in the body, such as gene expression, enzymatic reactions, protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, wound healing, and overall growth and development. Therefore, a deficiency of this nutrient can lead to various health problems that affect the body in various ways. Experts say that recognizing the signs of zinc deficiency allows you to address the problem before it leads to more serious health problems.
Signs of zinc deficiency in the body
According to studies, the recommended daily allowance of zinc is about eight micrograms (mg) for adult women and 11 mg for adult men. Zinc levels below these amounts are often due to malnutrition or certain diseases.
Doctors say that zinc deficiencies can be found in people with gastrointestinal disorders, a history of alcohol abuse, and those who have undergone weight loss surgery. Some signs that you may have a zinc deficiency in your body include:
Impaired growth and development
Lack of zinc in the body can lead to growth and developmental delays in children. Since zinc, a micronutrient, plays a key role in cell growth, differentiation and metabolism, when its levels are low, children may have restricted growth and reduced resistance to infections.
These infections can make zinc deficiency worse.
Weight loss
Zinc deficiency causes changes in appetite, such as not feeling very hungry all the time, which leads to weight loss. It also causes a slow metabolism and problems such as mood swings, irritability, or depression.
Delayed sexual maturity
In adolescence, zinc deficiency can lead to delayed sexual maturity, including slow genital development and testosterone levels.
Increases the risk of age-related diseases.
A good amount of zinc in the body is good for immunity, however, low levels can significantly increase the risk of age-related diseases such as pneumonia, infections and age-related macular degeneration. Zinc helps relieve oxidative stress and improve immune response by stimulating the activity of T cells and natural killer cells, which during a deficiency are very low in number.
Diarrhea
Optimal zinc levels lead to a regulated gastric system. However, since the body does not produce zinc naturally, but obtains it through food or supplements, zinc deficiency can aggravate digestive problems such as diarrhea.
According to studies, zinc deficiency delays both the clearance of extracellular ATP and the generation of adenosine, causing an imbalance between extracellular adenine nucleotides and adenosine, resulting in loose stools.
Causes of acne
Lack of zinc in the body can lead to a build-up of fat, bacteria and inflammation that cause acne. According to doctors, zinc inhibits the growth of P. acnes bacteria and suppresses the activity of sebaceous glands, and deficiency causes pimples to appear.
Who is at risk for zinc deficiency??
People at risk for zinc deficiency include:
- People with gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease.
- Those who follow vegetarian and vegan diets
- Pregnant and lactating women
- Older babies who are exclusively breastfed
- Those who suffer from sickle cell anemia
- Malnourished people, who suffer from anorexia or bulimia
- People with chronic kidney disease
- People with alcohol use disorder
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