Dietary zinc deficiency is common in the world and in Turkey. In particular, risk groups for borderline zinc deficiency are nursery and preschool children, adolescents, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and the elderly.
Is Zinc Deficiency Common in Turkey?
Nutrition-related zinc deficiency is widespread globally, including in Turkey. Diets in Turkey are mostly grain-based, and animal products are consumed less. Particularly, groups at risk for borderline zinc deficiency include children in daycare and preschool, adolescents, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and the elderly.
What is Zinc?
Zinc is a mineral necessary for cell proliferation and growth, and thus, it must be consumed daily through foods in a certain amount.
Which dietary sources are rich in zinc? Which foods inhibit the absorption of zinc?
While zinc is commonly found in foods, its quantity and bioavailability vary. The best dietary sources of zinc are seafood and red meat.
In plant-based foods and grains (such as lentils, corn, wheat), high levels of phosphate and phytates reduce the absorption of zinc. Casein in milk suppresses zinc absorption. The absorption of zinc in breast milk is better than in cow’s milk. Dietary iron also reduces the absorption of zinc.
What is the daily zinc requirement?
The daily zinc requirement is 3 mg for newborns and the first 6 months, 10 mg for ages 1 to 10, 15 mg during adolescence, and 20 mg for pregnant women.
When does the body’s zinc requirement increase?
Zinc supplementation is necessary in periods of rapid growth such as childhood, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and the elderly who cannot get enough zinc through their diets.
How is zinc deficiency classified?
Zinc deficiency is classified into three groups based on the severity of symptoms:
1. Life-threatening severe zinc deficiency: Manifests from the neonatal period with diarrhea, widespread skin lesions, and symptoms of malnutrition. It is a genetic disease.
2. Moderate zinc deficiency: Can occur due to insufficient zinc intake in the diet. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, susceptibility to infection, growth retardation or slowdown, delayed wound healing, and more.
3. Borderline zinc deficiency: Diagnosed when the symptoms present in moderate zinc deficiency disappear only after zinc treatment. It is the most common form of zinc deficiency.
How is zinc deficiency treated?
Zinc deficiency can be corrected through oral zinc supplementation.
Does zinc deficiency play a role in frequent infections?
Children who do not get enough zinc in their diet often experience upper respiratory tract infections. Zinc supplementation can reduce the frequency of infections.
Is zinc treatment beneficial for diarrhea?
Yes. Zinc supplementation can improve both zinc deficiency and diarrhea in cases of diarrheal diseases.
Does it play a role in hair loss?
There is speculation about the role of zinc deficiency in hair loss. However, zinc deficiency is not the sole cause. Consult your doctor for advice on this matter.
Can pica be associated with zinc deficiency?
Pica is a habit of eating non-nutritive substances. Eating substances such as ash, soil, paper, coffee beans, sponge, salt, cloth, ice, lime, sand, soap, paint, hair, batteries, etc., can lead to an important problem in the body, such as anemia due to iron deficiency and developmental retardation due to zinc deficiency.
Is there a laboratory test to determine zinc deficiency?
Yes. Tests conducted in blood and hair are valuable in showing deficiency. However, these tests cannot always precisely determine borderline zinc deficiency. If improvement is observed with zinc supplementation, the presence of zinc deficiency becomes apparent.
Are there any side effects of zinc treatment?
Oral zinc treatment, taken under medical advice, has no side effects. Some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting during zinc intake.
Is Zinc Deficiency Common in Turkey?
Nutrition-related zinc deficiency is common both globally and in Turkey. This is because diets in Turkey are mainly based on grains, and animal-based foods are consumed less. Particularly, the risk groups for borderline zinc deficiency include preschool children, adolescents, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and the elderly.
What is Zinc?
Zinc is a mineral necessary for cell growth and division, making it essential to consume a certain amount of zinc through food every day.
Which Dietary Sources Are Rich in Zinc? Which Foods Inhibit Zinc Absorption?
While zinc is commonly found in foods, the amount and bioavailability vary. The best dietary sources of zinc are seafood and red meat.
In plant-based foods and grains (such as lentils, corn, wheat), high levels of phosphate and phytates can reduce zinc absorption. Casein in milk has inhibitory effects on zinc absorption. The absorption of zinc in breast milk is better than in cow’s milk. Dietary iron also reduces the absorption of zinc.
What is the Daily Zinc Requirement?
The daily zinc requirement is 3 mg for newborns and the first 6 months, 10 mg for ages 1 to 10, 15 mg during adolescence, and 20 mg for pregnant women.
When Does the Body’s Zinc Requirement Increase?
There is an increased need for zinc during periods of rapid growth, such as childhood, in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and the elderly who do not get enough zinc in their diets. In such cases, zinc supplementation may be necessary.
How is Zinc Deficiency Classified?
Zinc deficiency is classified into three groups based on the severity of symptoms:
1. Life-threatening severe zinc deficiency: Manifests with diarrhea, widespread skin lesions, and symptoms of malnutrition from the newborn period. It is a genetic disease.
2. Moderate zinc deficiency: Occurs due to insufficient zinc intake in the diet. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, susceptibility to infections, growth stagnation or slowing, and delayed wound healing.
3. Borderline zinc deficiency: Diagnosed when symptoms existing in moderate zinc deficiency disappear only after zinc treatment. It is the most commonly seen form of zinc deficiency.
How is Zinc Deficiency Treated?
Zinc deficiency can be treated with oral zinc supplements.
Does Zinc Deficiency Play a Role in Frequent Infections?
Children with insufficient zinc in their diet often experience frequent upper respiratory tract infections. Zinc supplementation can reduce the frequency of infections.
Is Zinc Treatment Beneficial for Diarrhea?
Yes, zinc supplementation improves both zinc deficiency and diarrhea in affected cases.
Does Zinc Play a Role in Hair Loss?
There is a suggestion that zinc deficiency may contribute to hair loss. However, zinc deficiency is not the sole cause, and it is advisable to consult a doctor regarding this matter.
Can Zinc Deficiency Occur in Pica?
Pica is a habit of consuming non-nutritive substances. Eating substances like soil, clay, paper, coffee beans, sponges, salt, cloth, ice, lime, sand, soap, paint, hair, batteries, etc., can lead to iron deficiency-related anemia and developmental retardation due to zinc deficiency. In cases of anemia, iron treatment is usually sufficient. However, in rare cases, zinc deficiency may also be present, and zinc supplementation can be added to the treatment.
Are There Laboratory Tests for Detecting Zinc Deficiency?
Yes, tests conducted on blood and hair can be valuable in demonstrating deficiency. However, these tests may not always precisely determine borderline zinc deficiency. The presence of zinc deficiency becomes apparent when there is a positive response to zinc supplementation.
Are There Side Effects of Zinc Treatment?
There are no side effects of oral zinc treatment when taken under the guidance of a physician. Some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting during zinc intake.
