October 2020

Zinc Deficiency | Dietary Sources, Causes, Signs & Symptoms (ex. Hair Loss), Diagnosis, Treatment

Zinc is an essential element required for human health, being utilized for nearly 100 different enzymes for a wide variety of functions, including developmental, reproductive and immune system functioning. Zinc deficiency can occur through several mechanisms, including reduced dietary intake, reduced absorption, increased utilization and increased losses. In this lesson, we discuss these causes in more detail, along with signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency (including anxiety, depression, skin lesions like acne, and hair loss), how it is diagnosed and how it is treated.