References
- ↑ "What Is Zinc Deficiency?". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
- ↑ Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Zinc". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
Zinc deficiency is a condition which is the result of not having enough zinc (a mineral) in the body. This can happen if someone does not consume enough zinc-rich foods, or caused by a medical condition that causes the body to not be able to absorb or use zinc properly. Common symptoms of zinc deficiency can include diarrhea (typically seen in infants), hair loss in patches or thinning hair, nail changes (like brittle texture or discoloration) skin lesion, and rash.
Zinc is important for the immune system to function properly and for the metabolism to work correctly. It is also important for a sense of taste and wound healing. Zinc inadequacy is when there is a bit less zinc than the body needs, but zinc deficiency points to when the zinc levels are low enough to disrupt the functions of the body.
