Because zinc plays a role in a variety of bodily functions, the symptoms of zinc deficiency can arise in several organs (muscles, skin, and bones) and organ systems (immune, digestive, reproductive, and central nervous systems).[1] However, many of the symptoms can be caused by other conditions besides zinc deficiency. Therefore, a person who suspects they have a zinc deficiency should consult a doctor for further tests.
Signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency:
| Body system | Clinical signs and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Central nervous system | Behavioral changes, loss of appetite, depression, psychosis, reduced ability to taste, reduced sense of smell, night blindness, seizure disorder, impaired cognitive performance |
| Alterations in skin/hair/nails | Bullous (a skin condition); pustular lesions; keratotic lesions; rough skin; loss of scalp, facial, and body hair; impaired wound healing |
| Gastrointestinal symptoms | Diarrhea, impaired nutrient digestion and absorption |
| Impaired growth and development | Slowing of linear growth, weight loss |
| Altered reproductive biology | Low sperm count, hypogonadism and reduced potency, fetal malformations |
| Impaired immunity | Recurrent infections, impaired immune response |
Adapted from “Pharmaco-nutrient interactions - a systematic review of zinc and antihypertensive therapy” (Table 2), L. Braun & F. Rosenfeldt, 2013, Int J Clin Pract. DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12040