What disease does zinc deficiency cause? When to take a zinc supplement?

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The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Vu Quoc Anh - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
Zinc plays an important role in the human body. Zinc deficiency will lead to many diseases such as atherosclerosis, hearing loss, mouth ulcers, affecting life.

1. Zinc deficiency causes what disease?

Zinc is a nutrient that plays an important role in many biological functions and is necessary for the proper functioning of enzymes in the body. When the body lacks zinc, it will lead to some of the following diseases.

1.1 Hair loss

Zinc deficiency is the cause of an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body. Zinc is an essential mineral for cell proliferation and protein absorption, thereby helping to make hair thick and shiny.

1.2 Certain chronic diseases

A variety of health conditions such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases can be linked to zinc deficiency. Zinc helps strengthen the immune system as well as promote the growth of cells. When the body lacks zinc leads to the effects of harmful free radicals and inflammation.

1.3 Wounds become difficult to heal

Zinc deficiency also causes scaly spots due to acne or a long time. Zinc deficiency will make wounds may take longer to heal on their own.

1.4 Impairment of vision

Eyes contain large amounts of zinc, especially in the retina. That's because zinc helps transport vitamin A from the liver to the retina to make the pigments that protect the eyes.

1.5 Hearing disorders

Zinc is also a substance that acts as an antioxidant and tames inflammation in the ear, or inner part of the ear. A study has shown that people with low zinc levels always have tinnitus symptoms.

1.6 Effects on bones and joints

Zinc is also an essential mineral for bone growth and formation besides calcium. Zinc has an extremely important function in the growth and development of cells, as well as renewing the collagen needed to make bones healthy.

1.7 Mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers can occur in people whose diets are deficient in zinc. Some studies indicate that zinc supplements can reduce symptoms of mouth-related inflammation as well as mouth ulcers.

2. When should zinc supplements be taken?

2.1 Objects that need to supplement zinc

People on a high-carbohydrate diet are low in protein, because most of the zinc from food comes from meat products. People with digestive disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic kidney disease. Pregnant and lactating women who need an adequate supply of zinc, especially those with low zinc stores at the beginning of pregnancy, will need more zinc each day than others.

2.2 Supplementing zinc for the body

Zinc is commonly found in the retina of the eye, liver, blood cells, kidneys, bones, and pancreas. Some of the zinc-rich foods you should add to your diet are oysters, beets, beans, oats, peanuts, shellfish, pumpkin seeds, red meat, legumes, whole grains, and ginger. Red meat like beef, pork and lamb are among the best sources because the zinc in these foods is highly bioavailable – meaning it can be absorbed more easily by our bodies than from other sources.
It can be seen that zinc deficiency causes many health problems, so you need to maintain a healthy diet and a scientific lifestyle to ensure a balanced health. Especially for people who are at high risk of zinc deficiency, it is necessary to pay attention to the health check so that the doctor can evaluate and have appropriate indications.

Zinc deficiency can cause dangerous complications for children's health and mental health, so parents need to observe and timely supplement this important source of vitamin.
In addition to dietary supplements, parents can give their children supportive foods containing zinc and essential micro-minerals such as Lysine, chromium, selenium, vitamin B1... to help fully meet their needs. nutritional requirements in children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
>> Parents can learn more: The role of zinc and guidelines for reasonable zinc supplementation, The article was professionally consulted by Specialist II Cao Thi Thanh - Pediatrician - Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital. Dr. Thanh has worked for 25 years in the treatment of neonatal pediatric diseases.
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