What you should know about zinc deficiency

Zinc is a major element that is required for important processes of body. It can help to safeguard your body from stress and also repairs DNA. You can get zinc through food sources. However a vast majority of people find that they are lacking in this vital element. About 40% of the elderly and 12% of general population suffer from zinc deficiency in the U.S.

The groups of people who are at greater risk of this deficiency according to the National Institute of Health include alcoholics, individuals suffering from sickle cell disease, infants who are mainly breastfed, vegetarians, expectant and nursing women, those suffering from gastrointestinal disorders and others.

Those who have this type of deficiency must eat a healthy diet comprising of high zinc sources namely cashews, baked beans, beef shank, whole grains, pork tenderloin, yoghurt, oysters and zinc-fortified breakfast cereals. Elderly people can take zinc supplements and infant’s diet can be supplemented with baby cereals containing zinc.

Zinc is an important element that is required for the function of male sex organ and reproductive fluids. The food item containing the highest concentration of zinc is oysters.

You can know about zinc deficiency through symptoms such as loss of appetite, slow growth and impaired immune function. The zinc deficiency may cause the following diseases also. Mental lethargy, hypogonadism, low insulin levels, slow wound healing, rough skin lesions, weight loss, impaired sense of smell and taste, impotence can also be caused through zinc deficiency. DNA damage can result even from minor zinc deficiency.

Slow wound healing Low insulin levels Mental lethargy Hypogonadism in males Diarrhoea Loss of hair Dry and rough skin Skin lesions Weight loss Impotence Impaired sense of taste or smell According to recent studies and research conducted, even a minor deficiency of zinc can cause DNA damage. Some of these zinc deficiency symptoms can also be the result of other health conditions and you must consult a doctor to know the exact cause of the symptom for finding relief. In most cases just including foods rich in zinc can bring the desired results and no long term treatment plan is essential.