Nearly every cell in the body contains zinc, which the body requires to function properly. Zinc helps to enhance the immune system and plays an important role in reproduction and growth, vision, taste, smell, and blood clotting and thyroid functioning. Because it is needed in small amounts, zinc is considered an essential trace element. Adults daily should consume approximately 8 to 11 milligrams of zinc. While the occurrence of zinc deficiency is relatively low, certain populations may benefit from zinc supplementation and should consider the use of zinc tablets with a doctor's consent.
Elderly
Zinc deficiency is a significant problem in adults over age 60, according to "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Researcher Ananda S. Prasad found that zinc supplementation not only increased blood levels of zinc, but also significantly reduced the risk of infections and illnesses in senior citizens. Deficiency may be due to poor dietary intake of foods containing zinc, including meats, fish and beans.
Alcoholism
Close to 50 percent of alcoholics have zinc deficiency, as of publication. Alcohol decreases the body's ability to absorb zinc from foods and increases the urinary excretion of zinc. Poor dietary intake of zinc also indicates feelings of early satiety and overall decreased calorie consumption. Zinc supplementation may help to increase zinc levels within the blood and correct deficiency symptoms. Symptoms of zinc deficiency include loss of appetite, hair loss, impaired growth, weight loss, delayed wound healing and taste abnormalities.
Vegetarians
Meat, fish and poultry are some of the richest dietary sources of zinc. Because vegetarians often avoid animal products, their zinc intake may be lacking. In addition, many zinc-containing grains contain high amounts of phytates, which bind to zinc and prevent the body from absorbing it. This can result in malabsorption of zinc and decreased zinc levels within the body.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding have higher zinc needs due to their growing baby's additional zinc needs. Much of their zinc stores are provided to their baby, leaving them more susceptible to deficiency. Discuss your zinc needs with a doctor prior to starting any new supplement or medications.
Malabsorption Diseases
Gastrointestinal diseases and surgeries can decrease the body's zinc absorption. Those with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic diarrhea, short bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease should consult a doctor to determine if zinc tablets are needed to prevent zinc deficiency.
Sickle Cell Disease
Zinc deficiency is common in those with sickle cell disease. Due to rapid cell turnover, their zinc needs are significantly higher than those without sickle cell disease are. In children, this can result in poor growth and development along with increased susceptibility to infections. Prasad's study found that zinc tablet supplementation can help to improve growth and drastically decrease the risk of infections.
HIV
Those with HIV or AIDS should consider zinc-tablet supplementation. Deficiency is common due to poor absorption and increased zinc losses from medication use, frequent diarrhea and vomiting. Zinc deficiency can result in a further weakened immune system and an overall increased risk of infection.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Zinc Deficiency in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease; Ananda S. Prasad; February 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Zinc; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 2009
- "Nutrition"; Zinc Deficiency in Elderly Patients; Ananda S. Prasad, et al.; June 1993
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Zinc Supplementation Decreases Incidence of Infections in the Elderly -- Effect of Zinc on Generation of Cytokines and Oxidative Stress; Ananda S. Prasad, et al.; March 2007
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; The Absorption of Zinc Through a Standardized Meal in Alcoholics and in Normal Volunteers; W. Wallace Dinsmore, M.D., MRCP; October 1985
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