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2026-05-06T08:39:34Z
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Kelly.oconnor: Created
2025-05-07T21:46:27Z
<p>Created</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>== What Does It Mean? ==<br />
Zinc Deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough of the essential mineral zinc, which plays a critical role in immune function, wound healing, growth, and enzymatic reactions. Zinc is the second-most abundant trace mineral in the body and is vital for numerous physiological processes.<br />
<br />
== How Did We Get There? ==<br />
<br />
=== Root Causes: ===<br />
<br />
* Inadequate dietary intake (vegetarian/vegan diets, poor nutrition)<br />
* Malabsorption disorders (IBD, celiac disease, leaky gut)<br />
* Chronic stress and high inflammation levels<br />
* Increased zinc demand (pregnancy, growth, illness)<br />
* Excessive alcohol consumption leading to increased zinc excretion<br />
* Chronic infections or heavy metal toxicity interfering with zinc metabolism<br />
<br />
=== Signs & Symptoms: ===<br />
<br />
* Impaired immune function (frequent infections, slow wound healing)<br />
* Hair loss and brittle nails<br />
* Skin conditions (acne, eczema, dermatitis)<br />
* Loss of taste and smell<br />
* Fatigue and poor concentration<br />
* Gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhea, poor digestion)<br />
* Delayed growth in children<br />
<br />
=== Diagnostic Criteria: ===<br />
Patients with zinc deficiency typically exhibit low serum zinc levels and alterations in enzymatic activity.<br />
<br />
== Lab Test Findings ==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|'''Lab Test Name'''<br />
|'''Expected Change'''<br />
|'''Optimal Range'''<br />
|-<br />
|Zinc, Serum<br />
|Decreased<br />
|99-130 ug/dL<br />
|-<br />
|Alkaline Phosphatase<br />
|Decreased<br />
|45-100 IU/L<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== How Do We Treat It? ==<br />
<br />
=== Functional Medicine Approach: ===<br />
Addressing zinc deficiency requires dietary correction, improved absorption, and targeted supplementation.<br />
<br />
=== Supplement Protocol ===<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|'''Supplement'''<br />
|''' Function'''<br />
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''<br />
|-<br />
|Zinc<br />
|Highly absorbed zinc to support immune function, enzymatic activity, and tissue repair<br />
|1 capsule with food, daily<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===<br />
<br />
* Dietary Modifications: Increase intake of zinc-rich foods (red meat, shellfish, pumpkin seeds, nuts, legumes)<br />
* Gut Health Support: Address underlying malabsorption issues, reduce inflammation<br />
* Reduce Zinc-Depleting Factors: Minimize alcohol, high-sugar diets, and excessive phytates (found in grains and legumes) to enhance absorption</div>
Kelly.oconnor