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What depletes zinc in the body?

Zinc deficiency can happen in people who have problems absorbing nutrients, for example, older people and those who have some gut diseases. Some medicines can also increase the loss of zinc through urine.

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What is zinc deficiency?

Zinc deficiency is when the body does not have enough of the mineral zinc. Zinc is important for the immune system, wound healing, and normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence.

What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency?

Zinc deficiency can result in skin changes that look like eczema at first. There may be cracks and a glazed appearance on the skin, often found around the mouth, nappy area and hands. The rash doesn’t get better with moisturisers or steroid creams or lotions.

People with zinc deficiency may also experience:

hair loss

changes in their nails

diarrhoea

more infections

feeling irritable

loss of appetite

impotence

eye problems

weight loss

wounds that take a long time to heal

lack of taste and smell

Zinc deficiency can slow a child’s growth and delay them reaching sexual maturity.

What causes zinc deficiency?

Some people cannot get their daily requirement of zinc in their diet. Protein helps the body to absorb zinc, so vegetarians and vegans, and people on long-term restricted diets, may be more at risk. Children on restricted diets and babies who are exclusively breastfed longer than 6 months may also experience zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency can happen in people who have problems absorbing nutrients, for example, older people and those who have some gut diseases. Some medicines can also increase the loss of zinc through urine. Sometimes newborn babies experience zinc deficiency if they are premature or very sick, or if their mothers had a mild zinc deficiency. Some people are born with zinc deficiency.

How is zinc deficiency diagnosed?

If you think you or child may have zinc deficiency, see your doctor. They may do a blood test, although this is not very reliable for people with mild deficiency. Often the best way of diagnosing zinc deficiency is to see if the symptoms improve with a zinc supplement. If you or your child have skin problems related to zinc deficiency, they should start to clear up within 72 hours of taking a supplement. FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How is zinc deficiency treated?

Extra zinc can be obtained from a supplement, usually in the form of a pill or capsule. Your doctor will recommend the right dose for you, depending on your symptoms. Zinc can also be obtained from some multi-vitamin supplements or cold remedies that contain zinc. It’s important to follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s recommendations, as having too much zinc can lead to diarrhoea or vomiting, and can interfere with other nutrients you need such as copper and iron. You should not take more than 40mg of extra zinc a day, unless your doctor tells you to.

Can zinc deficiency be prevented?

The best way to avoid zinc deficiency for most people is to eat foods that are high in zinc. These include oysters, meat and fish. Smaller amounts of zinc can be found in cereals, legumes, dairy foods and seeds.

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What is the healthiest way to get vitamin B12?

To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as: Beef, liver, and chicken. Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams. Fortified breakfast cereal. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Eggs.

How Is It Treated?

Usually, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is easy to treat with diet and vitamin supplements. To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as:

Beef, liver, and chicken

Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams

Fortified breakfast cereal

Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese

Eggs

Your doctor might recommend that you also take a vitamin B12 supplement. It comes in pills or a nasal spray. If you are very low in this vitamin, you can get higher-dose vitamin B12 shots. You may need to take vitamin B12 for the rest of your life. You might also need to get treated for the condition that causes your anemia. But increasing your vitamin B12 levels is a key thing you can do. If you let it go for too long, it can damage your heart, brain, nerves, bones, and other organs in your body. With treatment, you should feel better and avoid any long-term problems.

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