Signs of Zinc Deficiency

Zinc is a metallic element that is classified as a trace mineral in human nutrition. Although your daily requirement for zinc is relatively low in comparison to many other minerals, it is an essential nutrient. Dr. Elson Haas, author of "Staying Healthy with Nutrition," believes that the loss of zinc from agricultural soils and during food processing has contributed to widespread zinc deficiency.

Zinc, a Mineral with Many Faces

Zinc exerts its influence in myriad processes in your cells and tissues. As a co-factor for a variety of enzymes, zinc is instrumental in skin and skeletal integrity, energy production, protein digestion and detoxification. DNA and RNA synthesis are dependent on zinc, as is the regulation of gene expression. Zinc is essential for the optimal function of your immune system, and it is found in bones, teeth, eyes, liver, muscles, skin, hair, prostate and seminal fluid.

Zinc Deficiency is Underrated

Zinc performs so many vital functions in your body that a mild deficiency could masquerade as another problem and go undiagnosed. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that clinical zinc deficiency was not even described until 1961. Even though a great deal has been learned about zinc's role in human health since then, a 1998 "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" review suggests that little has been done to address a worldwide zinc deficiency, which could affect more than 1 billion people.

Signs of Zinc Deficiency

Zinc deficiency is characterized by reduced immune efficiency, which results in an increased frequency of infections. Loss of taste sensation, brittle hair and nails, white spots on the nails, rashes, stretch marks and dry skin are common. Wounds heal slowly in zinc-deficient individuals. Children may suffer from delayed growth and sexual maturation, and young zinc-deficient males may even become sterile. Life-threatening infections are more common in zinc-deficient children. Low birth weight, poor mental performance and attention problems occur in children of zinc-deficient pregnant women.

Zinc Requirements

Recommended daily allowances for zinc were established by the Institute of Medicine in 1999. Requirements vary with age and gender, and pregnant women need more zinc than non-pregnant women. Infants up to 6 months require 2 mg daily, while children between 6 months and 3 years need 3 mg. Children ages 4 to 8 years should get 5 mg, and those 9 to 13 years need 8 mg daily. Females ages 14 to 18 need 9 mg, and males in this age group require 11 mg. Males older than 19 years also require 11 mg, while non-pregnant females older than 19 only need 8 mg. Pregnant women under 18 years of age require 13 mg daily, while older pregnant women need 11 mg. Finally, lactating women younger than 18 should take 14 mg, and older lactating women need 12 mg of zinc daily.