10 Zinc Deficiency Symptoms
Zinc deficiency occurs when the amount of zinc in the body is insufficient to meet its functional needs. Zinc is vital for the proper functioning of the skin, brain, central nervous system, immune system, gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, reproductive system, and more. Zinc deficiency occurs when there is reduced dietary intake, increased loss of zinc, inadequate absorption, or increased utilization.
The most common cause of zinc deficiency is inadequate dietary intake. The recommended dietary allowance is 8mg per day for females and 11mg per day for males. Zinc is a crucial element for the basic functioning of the human body as it plays many roles in numerous biochemical pathways.
The highest concentration of dietary zinc can be found in meat, oysters, beans, and nuts. Zinc deficiency has been estimated to affect as many as 2 billion individuals globally.
