Zinc is used by over 100 different enzymes in the body, which are involved in the chemical processes of building things that the body needs or breaking down stuff that it doesn’t want.
What are some common zinc deficiency signs?
- Poor sense of taste or smell
- Stretch marks
- Skin breakouts
- White spots on the nails
- Poor appetite
- Poor wound healing
- Frequent loose bowels
- Poor immunity
- Poor night vision
- Dry skin
What can cause deficiency?
- Phytates that can be found in wholegrain, rice, corn and legumes can reduce absorption. This means that strict vegetarians and vegans are at risk of low zinc as these foods often contribute highly to their diet.
- Zinc competes for absorption with iron, copper and calcium.
- Some medications e.g. proton pump inhibitors, antacids, oral contraceptive, HRT, Penicillamine, Quinolone Antibiotics, corticosteroids, Thiazide diuretics.
- High perspiration – so athletes can lose a lot in sweat.
- Diarrhoea – people with persistent diarrhoea can become deficient.
- People with blood sugar imbalances.
- Caffeine and high alcohol intake.
- Stress – zinc decreases and copper increases in times of stress.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Tairua-Pauanui Pharmacy carries out a Zinc oral taste test , It works by taking a mild zinc solution into the mouth and assessing what you can taste. If you are deificient, then we can recommend supplements to increase your levels.
