Zinc is a mineral that your body uses to help maintain healthy bones, skin, hair and teeth. This vital mineral is found in a number of food sources, including cheese, milk, beef, chicken, nuts and beans. If you are an adult who is unable to consume the recommended 8 to 11mg of zinc each day as part of your normal diet, you may be at risk of developing a zinc deficiency, say health officials with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Growth or Sexual Development Delays
In healthy people, zinc plays a crucial role in proper physical growth and sexual maturation. When the body doesn't have enough zinc growth problems or sexual development issues may arise -- especially in children who have a zinc deficiency, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Consequently, low zinc levels may lead to shorter stature, low body weight, poor bone formation and delayed sexual development.
Hair Loss
Zinc is involved in the healthy growth of hair across the scalp and body. Inadequate zinc levels may cause hair loss, a condition also referred to as alopecia, the Office of Dietary Supplements says. You may notice that your hair appears unusually thin or you may develop small bald patches across your scalp. Talk with a doctor if you experience unusual or excessive hair loss. Zinc deficiency symptoms may also occur due to alternate medical issues.
Recurrent Infections or Poor Wound Healing
Sufficient zinc levels help ensure that your body can fight off infection and heal from injuries. Low zinc levels diminish the effectiveness of your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to infections. You may also notice that your skin takes longer to heal after minor injuries, such as bruises or scratches.
Anemia
A low level of zinc also affects the level of iron in your body. If you have unusually low levels of iron in your blood due to a zinc deficiency, you are at risk of developing anemia, says the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Anemia may cause symptoms of weakness, fatigue, headaches and pale skin, and may lead to difficulty concentrating during your normal activities.
Diminished Appetite or Weight Loss
If you are zinc deficient, you may experience a persistent loss of appetite. A diminished appetite may cause you to eat less food than usual, which may lead to unintended weight loss. You may also develop other stomach-related problems, including diarrhea or abdominal discomfort.
Taste Alterations
Health professionals with the Vegetarian Society say that one of the first signs of low zinc levels is taste impairment. You may find that your normal diet tastes unusually bland or unpalatable. Impaired taste sensations may also contribute to a loss of appetite or weight loss. You will typically regain your normal ability to taste when your zinc levels return to normal.
Dermatitis
Without adequate levels of zinc in the body, your skin cannot regenerate properly. As a result, you may notice that your skin appears unusually dry or scaly and itches profusely. This sign of low zinc levels is called dermatitis, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library says. Avoid scratching the affected skin region to limit your risk of developing a skin infection.
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