17 Signs That You May Be Zinc Deficient

Did you know that without zinc, our bodies would be impaired at the cellular level?

Are you getting enough zinc in your diet? Do you know which foods are a good source of this essential mineral? Learn more: https://foodal.com/knowledge/paleo/signs-you-may-be-zinc-deficient/
Many different foods provide much-needed zinc.

Zinc is a trace mineral that aids our immune systems in battling infection and helps create the proteins needed for strong bones, muscles, tissue, and blood. It also helps maintain good eye health.

About a year ago, I learned that I was zinc deficient. I was not surprised, as I suffer from celiac disease and have difficulty with nutrient absorption.

What I didn’t know was the range of symptoms my inadequate supply of this essential trace mineral could induce.

Why Don’t I Feel Like Myself?

Sometimes we just don’t feel right.

A woman puts her head in her hands, struggling to figure out why she doesn't feel well - could it be a zinc deficiency? | Foodal.com

A physical usually includes a CBC, or complete blood count, to examine one’s general health.

It may reveal deficiencies in B12 and folate, but doesn’t test specifically for vitamin and mineral levels. Specific tests must be ordered individually, and only if indicated by conditions or symptoms.

According to Jan Patenaude, a registered dietitian and Certified LEAP (Lifestyle Eating and Performance) Therapist (CLT) with Nutrition Services, “… you can pretty much assume anybody zinc deficient is likely deficient in other nutrients as well.”

A blood test administered by a doctor will show if you suffer from a zinc deficiency. | Foodal.com

This was true for me, as I was also lacking in vitamin A, a key ingredient in a healthy immune system that works in tandem with zinc.

She says that a zinc deficiency may produce the following symptoms:

  1. Altered/loss of taste and smell
  2. Anorexia (lack or loss of appetite)
  3. Apathy
  4. Ataxic gait (uncoordinated movements)
  5. Decreased immunity
  6. Depression
  7. Diarrhea
  8. Excessive hair loss
  9. Fine tremor (unintentional muscle movement)
  10. Impaired cognitive function
  11. Impaired memory
  12. Poor night vision
  13. Poor wound healing
  14. Prostatism
  15. Slurred speech
  16. Some forms of dermatitis
  17. White spotting of nails

While the average well-nourished person may never suffer from such a deficiency, this condition does not just plague underdeveloped nations.

If you suffer from digestive discomfort, zinc deficiency could be the culprit. | Foodal.com

People who suffer from chronic autoimmune diseases such as celiac and rheumatoid arthritis need to have their intake and absorption of nutrients monitored, to avoid exacerbating their conditions with the complications of malnutrition.

Patenaude says that for people with digestive disorders who suffer from diarrhea, this is one of the first issues to address when seeking to improve the intake and absorption of zinc. B-12 is also important.

Patenaude also recommends limiting proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications taken for the reduction of stomach acid, as they may reduce zinc absorption.

And she warns that “… you cannot just willy-nilly supplement zinc, or you can create… more harm [than] good – or a copper deficiency.”

Zinc is often included in a multivitamin, and is added to fortify foods. But do you know which foods in your diet are a natural source of zinc? | Foodal.com

High doses of zinc in the form of mineral supplements may weaken the body’s immune system, adversely affect essential copper, and cause gastrointestinal distress.

Get Your Daily Requirement

The USDA has guidelines for the recommended amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as natural sources from which we should try to get the majority of our nutrition.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Dietary Supplements, women over the age of 19 require a zinc Daily Value (DV) of 8 milligrams per day, and men require 11 milligrams.

Unfortunately, the only places you’ll find this mineral listed as an actual ingredient are on the labels of fortified foods and vitamins. When eating healthy whole foods, good sources may not always be as clear.

Foods fortified with zinc, like breakfast cereal, will show the %DV on the Nutrition Facts label. | Foodal.com

Significant sources of nutrients are those that contain at least 20 percent of the daily value that’s recommended.

The best foods to eat to boost your zinc intake are animal protein sources. But what about grains and plant foods?

Grains and legumes contain phytates, acids known for their anti-inflammatory properties. However, they are also known for inhibiting the absorption of minerals.

For those who are zinc deficient, Patenaude recommends limiting excess high-phytate foods like grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes, or soaking them before use to reduce their phytate content.

The best way to get crucial nutrients is to consume a varied and well-balanced diet. When in doubt, refer to the USDA and the NIH for guidance, and consult your family physician or a dietitian.

Here a Trace, There a Trace

Throughout the day, vitamin and mineral intake accumulates in our bodies, based on diet as well as other factors. While the amount of trace minerals we require is relatively small, their presence is essential to our metabolic function.

The following is a list of zinc-rich foods recommended by the NIH, with suggested recipes from Foodal to help you enjoy a varied and nutritious diet.

Oysters

Oysters are the number one source of zinc. A three-ounce breaded and fried serving provides 74 milligrams for an incredible 493% DV.

Oysters are a great source of zinc. | Foodal.com

I recommend our article Shellfish: 5 Fantastic Ways to Cook Clams, Oysters, and Mussels for great techniques for cooking oysters.

Beef Chuck

Another excellent source is beef chuck. Serving three braised ounces provides 7 milligrams, for 47% DV.

The Best Beef and Vegetable Stew Recipe | Foodal.com
Photo by Felicia Lim.

Roasted Veggie Salad with Parsley Dressing – Get the Recipe Now
Here’s a rich and satisfying dish to try: my recipe for Simple One-Pot Savory Beef Stew. It’s a delicious way to build this important trace mineral into your diet!

Alaska King Crab

Another top source is Alaska king crab. This delicious seafood is recommended because a three-ounce serving contains 6.5 milligrams for a 43% DV.

Did you know Alaska king crab is a good source of zinc? Learn all about zinc-rich foods, and why they're important: https://foodal.com/knowledge/paleo/signs-you-may-be-zinc-deficient/

Be sure to read Crabs: Ultimate Guide to Buying, Preparing, and Cooking for more information on serving crab to your family.

Beef Patty/Ground Beef

The lowly beef patty rises to new heights when it is appreciated for its zinc content. A broiled three-ounce portion contains 5.3 milligrams for a 35% DV.

Beef is a good source of zinc, an essential mineral. | Foodal.com

Our Cheap and Easy Hamburger Soup is an especially nutritious way to satisfy the hamburger lovers at your house.

Fortified Breakfast Cereal

When buying breakfast cereal, check the side of the box for a listing of nutrients. Fortified cereals are an excellent source of zinc. A ¾-cup serving contains 3.8 milligrams for a DV of 25%.

Breakfast cereals are fortified with zinc, as part of a healthy diet. | Foodal.com

Looking for new ways to get your day off to a great start?

Our Breakfast Basics for Busy Days offers useful information for turning the most hectic meal of the day into the most enjoyable.

Lobster

Lobster used to be a rare treat at my house, but considering its nutritive value, I justify the expense as an investment in good health.

Three ounces of cooked lobster meat contains 3.4 milligrams for a 23% DV, making it another excellent source of zinc.

How to Prepare Lobster | Foodal.com

Discover 4 Delicious Ways to Cook Lobster, and treat yourself as often as the budget allows.

A recipe that’s a favorite in my house is Grilled Lobster Tails with Herbed Butter and Baby Potatoes.

Why not fire up the gas grill tonight?

­­­­­­­­Pork Chops

If pork is a hit with your family, you’ll appreciate knowing that a three-ounce loin chop has 2.9 milligrams for a DV of 19%, making it a very good source of zinc.

Recipe for Honey Mustard Pork Chops | Foodal.com
Photo by Felicia Lim

Honey Mustard Pork Chops – Get the Recipe Now

Our Guide to Roasting Times for Various Types of Meat has everything you need to know to roast a pork loin to mouth-watering perfection.

Baked Beans

Baked beans are another very good source. Half a cup of a canned plain or vegetarian style contains 2.9 milligrams, for a DV of 19%.

The Cookout Side Dish Round Up | Foodal.com

Hearty and filling, the Slow-Cooker Baked Beans recipe in our Cookout Side Dish Round Up is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Chicken (Dark Meat)

Another good source is three ounces of dark meat chicken, for 2.4 milligrams and a DV of 16%.

Chicken thighs are a good source of dietary zinc. | Foodal.com

This recipe for Chicken Thighs with Lemon Slices, Oregano, Garlic, and White Wine is a flavorful way to serve up a healthy dose.

Yogurt

Yogurt is not only a great snack on the go, eight ounces of the low fat variety contains 1.7 milligrams for 11% of your DV.

Two Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles | Foodal.com
Photo by Kendall Vanderslice.

Frozen Yogurt Popsicles with Oats and Blueberry Jam – Get the Recipe Now
We have a super recipe that calls for unsweetened Greek yogurt that you’re sure to love. The Ultimate Fruit Salad Yogurt Parfait can also be made with frozen yogurt for a delicious cool-down.

Or, try our recipe for Frozen Yogurt Popsicles with Oats and Blueberry Jam for a chilled out and nutritious breakfast.

Cashews

The next time you need something to nibble, consider cashews. Nuts are excellent for snacking. And a one-ounce serving of dry-roasted cashews contains 1.6 milligrams, for a DV of 11%.

Cashews are a zinc-rich food. | Foodal.com

They’re also delicious in vegan-friendly dishes like Roasted Broccoli Soup with Healthy Cashews.

Chickpeas

One-half cup of cooked chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, contains 1.3 milligrams for a DV of 9%.

And what better way is there to enjoy chickpeas than in hummus?

Make This Now: Pumpkin Hummus | Foodal.com
Photo by Felicia Lim.

Pumpkin Hummus – Get the Recipe Now
With 5 Gourmet Hummus Variations that You Can Make at Home, you’re bound to discover a new favorite.

If you’re a pumpkin fan, try our recipe for Pumpkin Hummus with toasted pepitas on top. The seeds are another good source of zinc, with about 10 milligrams per 3.5-ounce serving.

Chickpeas are also amazing as a crunchy snack! Try our oven-roasted spicy and smoky chickpeas!

Restoring Balance

Ryan Whitcomb, RD, CDN, CLT of Gut RXN Nutrition works with patients with digestive disorders. He says, “… there are many negative side effects from not having enough zinc, which really highlights the importance nutrition plays in our everyday lives. Nutrition should never be underestimated!”

For those with autoimmune diseases, it’s not just a matter of taking a dose of zinc and calling it a day. We who suffer have what is referred to as a “leaky gut,” and we need help to keep our nutrients inside and on the job.

Whitcomb recommends the following to aid in the absorption of essential nutrients, including zinc:

  • Rebalance external stressors with adequate sleep and relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation
  • Replace missing digestive enzymes
  • Address and remedy nutrient deficiencies

A healthy gut that is equipped to receive and absorb nutrients is the way to go!

Eat a Variety of Foods

Trace minerals like zinc play a vital role in our bodies at the cellular level.

For most, a balanced diet provides such micronutrients effortlessly. For others, like those on severely restricted diets, maintaining healthy levels is a critical challenge that’s often compounded by absorption issues.

Eating a healthy, varied diet is one way to prevent zinc deficiency. | Foodal.com

Enjoy the most varied diet you can, consisting of nutritious fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Consuming foods rich in nutrients provides the fuel to face each day with strength and vigor.

For more information on the sources and benefits of zinc in a healthy diet, or if you are experiencing symptoms of zinc deficiency, consult a physician or registered dietician before attempting to supplement or change your diet.

Do zinc-rich foods make up an adequate part of your diet? How do you incorporate healthy eating into your busy day? We’d love to hear your tips in the comments section below.

The staff at Foodal are not medical professionals and this article should not be construed as medical advice. Foodal and Ask the Experts, LLC assumes no liability for the use or misuse of the material presented above. Always consult with a medical professional before changing your diet or using supplements or manufactured or natural medications.

Beef Stew and Pumpkin Hummus photos by Felicia Lim, Frozen Yogurt Popsicle photo by Kendall Vanderslice, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock.

About Nan Schiller

Nan Schiller is a writer from southeastern Pennsylvania. When she’s not in the garden, she’s in the kitchen preparing imaginative gluten- and dairy-free meals. With a background in business, writing, editing, and photography, Nan writes humorous and informative articles on gardening, food, parenting, and real estate topics. Having celiac disease has only served to inspire her to continue to explore creative ways to provide her family with nutritious locally-sourced food.

23 thoughts on “17 Signs That You May Be Zinc Deficient”

  1. Thanks Nan for a nicely done article! Zinc deficiency may also increase risk of copper toxicity- which may result in fibromyalgia symptoms! It’s all so interesting!

    Reply
    • Hi Jan –

      Thanks again for sharing your knowledge of zinc’s role in a healthy diet, so I could bring this information to our Foodal readers.

      Regards,

      Nan Schiller

      Reply
    • I was 22 when I had a Copper IUD placed. My body hated it from day one. I was also Dx with FMS that year. Instant relief when it was removed. What if all my problems since I was 22 were caused by a mineral deficiency of zinc? This might help my clients as well. 18 years of my life could have been completely different. :/

      Reply
      • Brandy.

        I have had the copper IUD in place for 6 weeks and I don’t feel well.
        How long did you have yours?
        I’m scheduled to go see my GYN for a pap/routine tomorrow and I’m considering removal.
        I’m just scared.

        Reply
    • Hi
      I personally have a problem concerning wounds delaying to heal and sometimes they tend to reoccur
      Can that be a zinc deficiency issue?
      And if yes can I proceed to consume zinc supplements?

      Reply
  2. Wow, this is very interesting. I have a lot of chronic illness issues, one being celiac. I have been trying to stay off TPN after over 4 years of being on it. One thing they checked with my labs was trace minerals. Well, I never thought of continuing to check. I have been seeing a chiropractor who does nutrition response testing and last night he put me on it. I am very interested to see how much it helps. Especially because I have had a hole in my intestine, which still leaks some onto my skin, where a feeding tube was. I’ve dealt with it for several months, because I am too scared to have surgery. Very much hoping this will be what allows it to finally heal.

    Reply
    • White spots like you describe may be related to a zinc or calcium deficiency, but there are other potential causes as well. We are not medical professionals and we recommend consulting with your doctor or health care practitioner if you have concerns or intend to take supplements.

      Reply
  3. I am rapidly losing my hair. It’s really caused me to become a shut-in. I feel it’s not due to having Alopecia. I do have Graves Disease and am now being treated for it but I’m still losing my hair. I’m not losing it in patches but the hair is thinning rapidly. I wish I would find a way to regrow my hair. I’ve tried so many things..recently taking a multi-vitamin with Zinc. This is really taking a toll on my life. 🙁

    Reply
    • Hello,
      I’ve had the same issue as you. Unfortunately I experienced rapidly thinning hair after having a full head of bleach for the first time in my life (I was 39).This turned out to be a red herring as I was convinced this is why my hair was coming out like cotton wool and only recently started to have blood tests 18 months later. I’ve now found out that my zinc levels were extremely low at 8 and the lowest end of the range is 13. My ferritin levels were also on the lower end of the range. You have my deepest sympathies as this is such a soul destroying and upsetting situation to be in. I now take a daily liquid iron sachet with orange juice and zinc picolinate 22mg to get my levels back to a healthy level and I can safely say that my hair is starting to return to its original state. Let me know and I’ll advise if I can x

      Reply
      • How long did it take before the hairloss stopped. My hairloss is just not stopping since a food poisoning I got and my gut is not in percect shape. Multiple food alergies whoch never existed before bug. Have been taking multivitamins but no relief even after 8 months.My ferritin,D3 were very low. Have taken iron infusions before which did not help much but the last one doc gave was a 1000mg IV and the tests 3 months later suggested the levels were holding up in normal range

        Reply
      • Same here with zinc deficiency. My GP didn’t listen back in 2007 and I didn’t get a blood test until I insisted in 2018. I’m now taking 75mg zinc picolinate daily. Every so often I get an upset tummy due to taking too much. My zinc levels rise and fall, my hair sheds according to my zinc level and I’m not getting any help from my GP to find the correct dose to keep my level at a steady 15 which seems to be the best for my hair.

        Reply
    • Have you recently gone through a severe illness, extreme stress, rapid weight loss, divorce? Stress can cause hair loss for 6 mos. Half of the hair follicles are in a growth cycle, while half are dormant. The half that are dormant or the other way around, during extreme stress will be affected & fall out. At 6 mos. after losing hair, it will stop.
      It’s happened twice to me. A doctor explained this when I was in tears.

      Reply
  4. Sorry to hear your problems. I would recommend you take some good supplements, I tried Wellmans Plus, my sex drive has returned and my erections are now much stronger.
    5 days of usage did the trick.

    Reply
  5. I’m shocked and extremely upset!! I had gastric bypass in 2002.by 2005 I had my back 6 upper and lower teeth route canals.by 2011 my teeth failed and bottom denture was needed. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1996. Started treatment with a fibromyalgia doctor in2003 which started every month prolotherapy and pain medication and depression medication started . It wasn’t until about 2014 I dropped A good amount of weight,hair falling out,nausea, balance got so bad people in the drs office called the police because they thought I was drunk! I was getting weak I couldn’t hold the pen to write or feel the bottom of my feet to know if I was pushing the gas or the brake pedal. No more driving. Memory is getting spotty. I had no idea what was going on with me. I went to so many specialists. Neurologists,Endrocrine ,rheumatologist doctor etc. no one could figure out what was wrong with me. I’m slipping away. I had temporal wasting.hard time with my sight which I always had 20/20 vision. It took the doctors to see issues with my gait balance weight and hair to take notice. I was diagnosed with hosimotos disease and put in the hospital for a Wk having every test imaginable done. To ultimately find that I was copper deficient and had to get copper infusions in the hospital. The myelin is gone from my spine because of the copper and I’m disabled permanently now at 46.i was told from the 3rd neurologist that all of my issues were from denture cream.i lost my teeth from the vomiting and vitamins not be absorbed from the gastric surgery . I had worked my whole life at least 1/2jobs and now I’m dependent on others to live everyday… the denture cream did this to me. I fell broke my pelvis last year and I ended up in a rehab where I was being abused and ended up with a huge sore on my heel from my feet being dragged across the rug because there were no foot rests on the wheelchair. I almost died from malnutrition and I had such a bad infection I went septic. I lost a yr of my life from a broken pelvis to getting infection septic. I was wasting away. I had to relearn how to stand up to try to get out of bed I lost it all.. I had every single 17 things that go wrong from zinc/copper deficiency and more. I now sit at 46 disabled and dependent on others to live. DENTURE CREAM POISIONING!!!! I’m sorry this is so long but I’m hoping someone will read this and help connect the dots if they are experiencing any of the symptoms related to zinc/copper deficiency from DENTURE CREAM!!!! There’s NO WARNINGS AT ALL!!! Doctors couldn’t figure it out until it was too late for me..
    I hope this helps someone….

    Reply
    • Andrea.

      I have some of the symptoms that you described. What exact blood tests should I request at the doctor?
      Your story could help me.

      Thank you.

      Reply
    • Thank you for your story. I am so very sorry for you words can not explain. I appreciate you wanting to help others. I thank God that the doctors finally figured it out. I pray that God is able to heal your heart after all you have been through. ????????

      Reply
    • Wow! God bless you, Andrea. I am so sorry you have experienced so much suffering. I completely understand your anger. It sounds like you deserve atonement and recompense, from doctors to dentists to rehab facility, but DEFINITELY from the makers of that specific denture cream you used. Our “healthcare” system is nothing more than a glorified corporate business, and it is absolutely amazing these companies are free to destroy human lives without any government oversight or fear of repercussion. You truly have my condolences.

      Reply

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