Zinc deficiency
Linked to Zinc
Too little zinc weakens immunity, slows healing and can affect taste and skin.
Where it shows on the body
Rotate the figure and click a red marker to see the affected area. Internal organs open a 3D organ model.
Causes
- Low intake (esp. plant-based diets)
- Malabsorption
- High phytate diets
- Pregnancy
Symptoms
- Frequent infections
- Slow wound healing
- Hair loss
- Loss of taste and appetite
- Skin rashes
- Sore tongue
What happens if untreated
- Impaired growth in children
- Delayed sexual development
- Persistent infections
Who is most at risk
- Vegetarians and vegans
- Pregnant and breastfeeding people
- Older adults
Prevention & sources
- Meat, shellfish, legumes and seeds
- Supplements if advised
Correcting it: foods, amounts & timing
Foods that help & safe amounts
- Meat, shellfish, and dairy, or beans, seeds and wholegrains for plant eaters
- Around 8–11 mg/day for adults; keep supplements under ~25 mg/day unless advised (too much lowers copper)
Taste, skin and immunity often improve within 2–4 weeks.
Sources & references
Symptoms overlap — testing matters
Most deficiency symptoms (fatigue, poor concentration, skin and hair changes) are shared across several nutrients and many unrelated conditions. A symptom on this page is a reason to investigate, not a diagnosis.
A GP can confirm or rule out a deficiency with a blood test and check for underlying causes such as absorption problems. Do not start high-dose supplements on suspicion alone — some nutrients are harmful in excess, and supplementing before testing can mask the underlying result.