Zinc deficiency and disease
The mineral zinc belongs to the essential trace elements, it is only present in our body with a few grams, nevertheless it is indispensable: with insufficient zinc supply, numerous metabolic processes cannot take place correctly or not at all. Zinc deficiency often occurs in connection with various diseases. These can arise due to zinc deficiency, but the reverse is also possible, namely that zinc deficiency occurs due to an existing disease.
Can zinc deficiency promote disease?
Sick due to zinc deficiency? Hard to believe, that little bit of zinc can't be that important! Yes, it is, because zinc is one of the essential trace elements. Our body needs it for numerous metabolic processes and zinc is important for the immune system. Since the body cannot produce zinc itself and its storage capacity is also low, the body must be supplied with the optimal dose every day. Depending on gender and phytate intake, this is between 7 and 16 mg of zinc per day. [If the absorbed dose is permanently too low, zinc deficiency symptoms and diseases occur.
Increased risk of colds and flu
Zinc is not only involved in numerous metabolic processes, but is also particularly important for an intact immune system. It is involved in the formation of the cells that destroy other cells infected by a virus or altered by a tumour. Zinc activates defence cells that render bacteria, viruses and free radicals harmless. It makes it more difficult for viruses to penetrate the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and inhibits virus multiplication. Those who suffer from zinc deficiency often have a weakened immune system and are more susceptible to colds.
Skin diseases
Zinc is found in high concentrations in the skin. It is important for cell division, cell formation and cell metabolism and thus influences the health and growth of the skin. A lack of zinc can lead to oily and blemished skin, even acne, but can also cause dry, flaky, cracked and itchy skin. Psoriasis, neurodermatitis or rosacea (facial rose) are also favoured by zinc deficiency.
Listlessness and depression
Zinc deficiency can also affect the psyche. Fatigue, reduced performance, listlessness, mood swings and even depressive moods and chronic exhaustion are the result.
Growth disorders
During the growth and development phases, the body of children and adolescents particularly needs a lot of zinc, as it is involved in building healthy bones. Furthermore, zinc not only interacts with other minerals, but also has a direct influence on body size; a deficiency can lead to reduced growth in length.
Increased risk of cancer
Many cancer patients suffer from a zinc deficiency. But zinc is enormously important for the immune system, it activates defence cells and makes free radicals harmless. In this way, zinc reduces oxidative stress, which is one of the most important contributors to cancer. If a tumour already exists, the lack of defence cells can promote tumour growth.
Allergies
Allergies are exaggerated reactions of the immune system to certain allergy-causing substances (allergens). The symptoms range from skin redness and irritation to coughing, runny nose, burning eyes, circulatory problems and shortness of breath. The body reacts completely exaggeratedly to the actually harmless substances by releasing inflammation-triggering messenger substances. A deficiency of the trace elements zinc and selenium favours the occurrence of allergic reactions and intensifies them.
Which diseases can promote a zinc deficiency?
Diabetes
In patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, the disease itself increases the risk of zinc deficiency, because people with diabetes excrete 2 to 3 times more zinc in their urine than healthy people. However, zinc is significantly involved in the metabolic processes of the pancreas, where the blood sugar-reducing hormone insulin is produced. With a zinc deficiency, the storage capacity of the pancreas for insulin is reduced, which in turn promotes diabetes - in other words, a vicious circle!
Intestinal diseases
Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Chron's disease, ulcerative colitis or the gluten intolerance coeliac disease, often suffer from nutrient deficiencies. They are deficient not only in zinc, but also in other nutrients. Due to the chronic inflammation of the intestine, the absorption of vital nutrients is impaired, which can easily lead to a deficiency. Even a slight zinc deficiency can trigger an inflammatory flare-up in patients with Crohn's disease.
Liver disease
People with liver disease often have significantly lower levels of zinc in their liver than healthy people. More zinc is excreted via the kidneys, but also less zinc is absorbed, for example due to alcohol-related absorption disorders or reduced intake.
Prostate cancer, benign prostate enlargement
In many men, the prostate gland enlarges with age; frequent and strong urges to urinate, but also difficulties urinating are the consequences. This is often a benign enlargement of the prostate. In 2011, a study was published in the Indian Journal of Urology that compared the zinc status of men with prostate disease with the zinc status of healthy men. It showed that men with prostate cancer had significantly lower zinc levels in the prostate tissue, and even in benign prostate enlargement, the zinc levels were still significantly lower than in healthy men.
Alcoholism
People who drink a lot of alcohol often have a zinc deficit. The causes are on the one hand an increased excretion, but also a reduced absorption, for example through alcohol-related absorption disorders or too low a zinc intake. In addition, the body needs the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase to break down alcohol, and zinc is involved in its formation.
Osteoporosis
People suffering from osteoporosis often take high doses of calcium supplements to treat the disease. Calcium impairs the absorption of zinc and can lead to zinc deficiency.
Better therapy chances with zinc
In some cases, zinc is also used specifically for therapy. For example, zinc is given to treat diarrhoeal diseases in small children. Especially in developing countries, diarrhoea is one of the main causes of death in small children. The administration of zinc tablets is an inexpensive therapy with good results. In patients with liver cirrhosis, the administration of zinc is part of the standard therapy for zinc deficiency. It can slow down hepatic fibrosis, improve the regenerative capacity of the liver and reduce alcohol-related oxidative stress in liver cells.
Acne is hormonal in most cases, often occurring during puberty due to increased testosterone production. However, studies have shown that many acne patients suffer from zinc deficiency. The trace element regulates the fatty acid content of the skin, is involved in cell division and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, a high zinc level dampens the development of acne. Existing acne can be successfully treated with zinc therapy.
Zinc tablets or drops are taken with plenty of liquid, preferably water. Coffee or tea are not suitable, as their tannins impair the absorption of zinc.
Certain foods inhibit zinc absorption, so zinc supplements should be taken at least one hour before or 2 to 3 hours after a meal. Zinc absorption may be reduced if phosphates, iron, copper or calcium salts are taken at the same time. There may also be interactions with certain medicines, so consult your doctor before taking zinc. Zinc is particularly well utilised when it is organically bound, for example to the amino acid histidine.
Since a sufficient supply of zinc is particularly important in growth phases, many manufacturers offer preparations especially for children. These are drops, capsules or softgums with a consistency reminiscent of gumdrops. High-quality products contain no additives, no alcohol and often have a fruity taste that children like. However, zinc supplements should only be given after a doctor has diagnosed a zinc deficiency, as overdosing can have negative effects.
Zinc supplements should always be taken separately and at intervals from meals. At least one hour before or two to three hours after a meal gives the body enough time to absorb the trace element without disturbances. As a rule, it does not matter whether the preparation is taken in the morning or in the evening.
The time of day does not matter when taking selenium. However, it is recommended to always take it at the same time of day, as this makes it easier to control the intake.
Very often a zinc deficiency in horses manifests itself in coat and skin problems. The coat is lacklustre and shaggy, or it sheds. The skin shows barky deposits and thickening, and there is an increased risk of infection from skin diseases such as fungus. The hooves become brittle and of poor quality. Reduced feed conversion and fertility problems can also be symptoms of zinc deficiency.
Most manufacturers of zinc tablets advertise that taking their product can positively influence hair loss. Those who are already undergoing medical treatment for zinc deficiency will have a product recommended by their doctor. If you are looking for a suitable product on your own, you should consider the following criteria: Organically bound compounds, for example zinc glycinate or gluconate, have a high bioavailability. The combination with the amino acid histidine improves zinc absorption. A dosage of 10 to 15 milligrams of zinc per daily dose is sufficient for people who do not have an increased zinc requirement; higher-dosed products can lead to overdosing. High-quality products are free of additives and allergens.
White spots on the fingernails and feet are often interpreted as a lack of zinc, magnesium or calcium. In fact, these are small injuries caused by the nail plate being pushed or pinched. If the injuries do not grow back together completely, air pockets will appear as white spots. Nutrient deficiency manifests itself in bristly, weak nails.
Zinc ointment has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect and can be used equally for dogs and owners. It helps with itching, small wounds that no longer bleed and superficial scratches. To prevent the dog from scratching or licking the wound again, it may be useful to use a neck ruff; in any case, the wound should be covered with a light gauze bandage. Zinc ointment must not be used on deeper and open wounds, as the ointment can additionally dry out the wound.
The trace element zinc is a component of many enzymes and proteins and thus fulfils numerous functions in the body. It ensures beautiful skin, hair and nails, strengthens the immune system and accelerates wound healing. It is involved in the production of hormones and can thus influence body growth in children, fertility in women, procreative ability in men and people's moods.
Conclusion
Many diseases are closely related to zinc deficiency. They can be promoted by zinc deficiency, or they can cause a zinc deficiency. Regular monitoring of zinc levels is particularly important in sick people.
