Zinc Deficiency

What Does It Mean?

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.

How Did We Get There?

Root Causes:

Inadequate dietary intake (vegetarian/vegan diets, poor nutrition)
Malabsorption disorders (IBD, celiac disease, leaky gut)
Chronic stress and high inflammation levels
Increased zinc demand (pregnancy, growth, illness)
Excessive alcohol consumption leading to increased zinc excretion
Chronic infections or heavy metal toxicity interfering with zinc metabolism

Signs & Symptoms:

Impaired immune function (frequent infections, slow wound healing)
Hair loss and brittle nails
Skin conditions (acne, eczema, dermatitis)
Loss of taste and smell
Fatigue and poor concentration
Gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhea, poor digestion)
Delayed growth in children

Diagnostic Criteria:

Patients with zinc deficiency typically exhibit low serum zinc levels and alterations in enzymatic activity.

Lab Test Findings

Lab Test Name	Expected Change	Optimal Range
Zinc, Serum	Decreased	99-130 ug/dL
Alkaline Phosphatase	Decreased	45-100 IU/L

How Do We Treat It?

Functional Medicine Approach:

Addressing zinc deficiency requires dietary correction, improved absorption, and targeted supplementation.

Supplement Protocol

Supplement	Function	Dosage & Frequency
Zinc	Highly absorbed zinc to support immune function, enzymatic activity, and tissue repair	1 capsule with food, daily

Additional Lifestyle Interventions:

Dietary Modifications: Increase intake of zinc-rich foods (red meat, shellfish, pumpkin seeds, nuts, legumes)
Gut Health Support: Address underlying malabsorption issues, reduce inflammation
Reduce Zinc-Depleting Factors: Minimize alcohol, high-sugar diets, and excessive phytates (found in grains and legumes) to enhance absorption