Loss of appetite can be caused by a variety of conditions, including being deficient in zinc, but it may be reversible if you can treat the condition. Long-standing loss of appetite can result in excessive weight loss. Speak with your doctor if your appetite has decreased or you have lost a lot of weight unintentionally.
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite, also known as anorexia, is most common in elderly adults and can be caused by depression, loneliness, grieving and anxiety. Chronic diseases can also cause a loss of appetite, including colon, ovarian, stomach and pancreatic cancer, liver and kidney disease, hypothyroidism, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and certain medications and street drugs. Zinc deficiency can also cause a reduced appetite.
Zinc Deficiency
Zinc is a dietary mineral that is needed for immune system function, reproduction, normal growth, vision, blood clotting, insulin control and thyroid function. It's also needed for your ability to taste and smell foods, so being deficient in zinc can lead to loss of appetite. Zinc deficiency can occur if you don't get enough foods with zinc or if a health condition or medication reduces your ability to absorb zinc.
Dietary Sources of Zinc
Zinc from meal, fish and poultry is easier to absorb than zinc from plant foods. Good animal sources of zinc include oysters, which contain more per serving than any other food, red meats, chicken, turkey, cheese and shellfish. Plant sources of zinc include legumes, whole grains, soy products and seeds. Improve the absorption of plant-based zinc by including extra protein with your meal.
Zinc Supplements
Zinc is available as a dietary supplement. Zinc sulfate is an inexpensive form of zinc, but it may cause digestive complaints in some people because it's more difficult to absorb than more expensive forms, such as zinc picolinate or zinc citrate. You can take zinc supplements with food, but don't take them with calcium or iron supplements because they can decrease absorption. Speak with your doctor before taking zinc supplements.
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