Zinc deficiency is when the body does not have enough of the mineral zinc. Zinc is important for the immune system, wound healing, and normal growth and development
Symptoms of zinc deficiency
You may experience hair loss,changes in nails, diarrhoea, more infections, feeling irritable, loss of appetite, impotence, eye problems
Causes of zinc deficiency
Zinc deficiency can happen in people who have problems absorbing nutrients, for example, older people and those who have some gut diseases
Zinc deficiency diagnose
If you think you or child may have zinc deficiency, see your doctor. They may do a blood test
Zinc deficiency treatment
Extra zinc can be obtained from a supplement, usually in the form of a pill or capsule. Your doctor will recommend the right dose for you, depending on your symptoms
Can zinc deficiency be prevented?
The best way to avoid zinc deficiency for most people is to eat foods that are high in zinc. These include oysters, meat and fish