Zinc Deficiency: Signs, Risks & How to Support Your Levels

Zinc is one of 16 essential trace minerals your body needs for optimal health. Next to iron, it is the most abundant mineral in your body and is found in almost every cell. Zinc is central to the proper functioning of more than 300 enzymes and is essential for proper growth and development.

Zinc deficiency is characterized by growth retardation, loss of appetite, and impaired immune function. In more severe cases, Zinc deficiency causes hair loss, diarrhea, delayed sexual maturation, impotence, hypogonadism in males, and eye and skin lesions. At any age, Zinc deficiency can cause a loss of taste and smell. In older adults, it can delay wound healing and cause problems with thinking, reasoning, and memory.

Dietary Zinc deficiency is quite common in the developing world, affecting an estimated 2 billion people. While overt Zinc deficiency in North America is not common, the symptoms of mild deficiency are diverse due to Zinc's ubiquitous involvement in metabolic processes. Notably, 35%–45% of adults aged 60 years or older have Zinc intakes below the estimated average requirement, and even when considering intakes from both food and dietary supplements, 20%–25% of older adults still have inadequate Zinc intakes.

Low levels of Zinc have been detected in people with a number of conditions including diabetes, eating disorders, male infertility, diarrhea, and osteoporosis. Zinc supplementation may be beneficial in these cases.

Certain populations may be at greater risk for Zinc deficiency. These include people who have had gastrointestinal surgery such as weight loss surgery, individuals with digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, vegetarians, alcoholics, and those with sickle cell disease. Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and those receiving long-term proton pump inhibitor treatments are particularly susceptible.

Consumption of diets high in phytate and lacking foods from animal origin can drive Zinc deficiency. Phytic acid, found in many plant foods such as whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts, reduces Zinc absorption. Some researchers have suggested that this increases the Zinc needs of vegetarians by up to 50%. Taking supplements that contain a substantial amount of iron (≥25 mg) at the same time as Zinc supplements can also reduce Zinc absorption.

Zinc bioavailability is relatively high in meat, eggs, and seafood because of the relative absence of compounds that inhibit Zinc absorption and the presence of sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine and methionine that promote absorption. A mixed animal and plant product diet has an average Zinc bioavailability of 20–30%, whereas a diet dominated by unrefined cereal grains or legumes may yield only 10–15% absorption.

One of Zinc's prime uses comes in boosting the immune system. For more than 50 years, it has been known that Zinc deficiency compromises immune function. Virtually all aspects of innate and adaptive immunity are affected by Zinc — in vivo, Zinc deficiency alters the number and function of neutrophil granulocytes, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and B cells. People who are deficient in Zinc are more susceptible to infections, and Zinc supplementation supports immune system function, helping protect against colds and upper respiratory illnesses.

Research suggests that Zinc lozenges containing more than 75 mg/day of elemental Zinc may shorten common cold duration by approximately 33%. Zinc also functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, negatively regulating gene expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β. Studies suggest Zinc supplementation in vivo may help protect mononuclear cells against oxidative stress.

Men may benefit from addressing Zinc deficiency for two common concerns. The hormone testosterone requires Zinc for its production, and Zinc deficiency in adult men causes hypogonadism — where the testes produce less testosterone. Research suggests that infertility resulting from low testosterone levels may respond to increased Zinc intake. Additionally, studies suggest that symptoms resulting from an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may also be supported with adequate Zinc, as the healthy prostate accumulates the highest concentration of Zinc of any tissue in the body.

Beyond immune and reproductive health, Zinc supports wound healing, DNA synthesis, growth and development, proper sense of taste and smell, neurological function, and glucose metabolism. People with type 2 diabetes often have low Zinc levels, and some research suggests that Zinc supplements may help support healthy blood sugar levels.

Not all Zinc supplements are created equal. OptiZinc® (L-OptiZinc) is the only high-potency Zinc supplement FDA-approved safe for human nutrition. It is a patented 1:1 complex of Zinc and 100% natural methionine, the amino acid that is best absorbed by the body and serves as an antioxidant.

Studies show that OptiZinc® is absorbed better, retained longer, and is more effective than ordinary Zinc supplements tested. It also resists binding with dietary fiber and phytate — organic compounds that commonly inhibit Zinc absorption in plant-based and mixed diets.

Unlike other Zinc supplements, OptiZinc® will not cause anemia by removing iron from cells. Each tablet provides 20 mg of OptiZinc®, well within the Recommended Dietary Allowance of 8 mg/day for women and 11 mg/day for men and safely below the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 40 mg/day for adults.

This product is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and grain free.

Take one (1) tablet daily with meals. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.

Taking Zinc with food supports absorption and minimizes the chance of stomach discomfort. Be aware that taking supplements containing a substantial amount of iron (≥25 mg) at the same time as Zinc supplements can reduce Zinc absorption — consider spacing them apart if you take both.

Zinc may interact with certain medications, including quinolone antibiotics (such as Cipro), tetracycline antibiotics, and penicillamine. To help avoid interactions with antibiotics, take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, taking a Zinc supplement. Zinc supplements and penicillamine should be taken at least 1 hour apart. Thiazide diuretics can increase urinary Zinc excretion by as much as 60%, which may decrease your Zinc levels over time.