Zinc is an essential trace mineral needed in only small amounts by our body but with many important functions.
Recommended for:
- Supporting healthy, vibrant skin – especially if you’re prone to acne, stretch marks, dandruff, eczema or psoriasis
- Assisting your body to heal wounds, cuts and burns
- Helping to maintain clear, healthy nails if you’re prone to white spots
- Helping men to maintain a healthy prostate gland, and supporting overall sexual health, hormonal balance and fertility for both men and women
- Maintaining healthy immunity
- Supporting balanced blood sugar levels and normal insulin production
Severe zinc deficiency is rare, but marginal deficiencies are more common resulting from poor diet, poor absorption of zinc due to digestive issues or poor gut health, depletion by medications and low levels of zinc in New Zealand soils.
Who is most at risk for zinc deficiency?
Anyone following a plant-based diet that doesn’t include meat or dairy products (vegan or vegetarian) are usually at the greatest risk since their diets eliminate the highest food sources. People who suffer from severe stomach-acid issues, chronic digestive problems like leaky gut syndrome or alcoholism are also more likely to have a zinc deficiency.
- The most common signs and symptoms associated with zinc deficiency include:
- Changes in appetite, including food cravings for salty or sweet foods
- Changes in ability to taste and smell
- Weight gain or loss
- Hair loss
- Digestive problems, including diarrhoea
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Infertility
- Hormonal problems, including worsened PMS or menopause symptoms
- Low immunity
- Poor concentration and memory
- Slowed ability to heal wounds, skin infections or irritation
- Nerve dysfunction
An easy indicator of zinc deficiency is the appearance of white spots on the fingernails, taste and smell perception may also be diminished.
A zinc taste/talley test will help further confirm the need for supplementation.