Zinc deficiency can be caused by many factors including poor diet, disease or certain physiological conditions which increase the demand for zinc. Zinc plays an important role in the body. It is involved in cellular metabolism, immune function, wound healing, protein synthesis, DNA synthesis etc. Foods like oysters, beef, crab, milk, almonds, cheese, beans, peas etc contain zinc. Zinc deficiency can cause retarded growth, loss of appetite and low immunity. Hair loss, diarrhea, irregular menstrual periods, impotence, eye and skin lesions delayed wound healing, weight loss etc are other symptoms of zinc deficiency.

 Zinc deficiency can cause changes in the appetite and result in anorexia nervosa which in turn causes malnutrition and other problems. Deficiency of these mineral results in impaired cognitive functions and learning disabilities in children. People who suffer from zinc deficiency are also more prone to infections like diarrhea and pneumonia.

Zinc deficiency during pregnancy can have a negative impact on both mother and child. People who have gastrointestinal discords like IBS, ulcerative colitis etc require zinc supplementation since their intestines may not be able to absorb zinc efficiently. Pregnant and lactating women, breastfed babies, people who suffer from anemia etc need more zinc than others. Zinc can be obtained through diet or through supplements.