What happens when the body lacks zinc?

Zinc is an essential mineral that helps the body boost immunity, heal wounds, maintain taste, and support growth. While zinc deficiency is not very common, it can still occur in people with unbalanced diets, those with digestive problems, vegetarians, or young, growing children.

Here are some common signs of zinc deficiency that people shouldn't ignore, according to Prevention.

Slow-healing wounds

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), one of the most common signs, especially in older adults, is slow wound healing. Zinc is involved in tissue repair and supports the immune system. When zinc is deficient, cuts or scrapes may take longer to heal than normal.

Hair loss

Zinc deficiency can cause hair to thin or fall out in patches, especially in older children and teenagers. In addition, low zinc levels are also associated with several other hair loss conditions. A 2023 study published in the Swedish journal Acta Dermato-Venereologica showed that zinc deficiency is more common in people with alopecia areata – an autoimmune disease that causes sudden, non-scarring hair loss.

Researchers also found a correlation between zinc deficiency levels and disease severity: the lower the zinc, the more severe the hair loss.

Skin with acne or rash

Acne isn't the most common symptom of zinc deficiency, but it can still be a sign that your body needs a boost of this mineral.

A review published in the journal Dermatologic Therapy showed that people with low zinc levels are more prone to acne. Zinc deficiency can also cause eczema-like rashes around the mouth, hands, or feet.

One of the most common signs of zinc deficiency is slow wound healing. (Image: Healthline)

Vision impairment

The eyes, especially the retina, contain a relatively high amount of zinc. However, over time, this zinc tends to decrease as you age, and this can increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. The good news is that some studies suggest that zinc supplementation may help slow vision decline and support eye protection against age-related damage.

Reduced sense of taste or smell

If you suddenly experience a loss of appetite or difficulty perceiving flavors, the cause may be related to zinc deficiency. According to the NIH, zinc is involved in the body's basic sensory functions. When there is insufficient zinc, the ability to perceive smells and tastes can be affected, and in some cases, it can even lead to a complete loss of taste or smell.

Hearing loss/tinnitus

When the body lacks zinc, hearing can be affected in several different ways. Studies show that zinc deficiency may be linked to hearing loss or tinnitus – a condition characterized by a buzzing, ringing, or persistent sound in the ears. Additionally, the lower the zinc levels, the more pronounced and severe the tinnitus tends to be.

Developmental delay in children

One of the key signs of zinc deficiency—especially in infants, children, and adolescents—is stunted growth.

Zinc plays a vital role in growth because it directly affects cell development and division. When the body lacks sufficient zinc, growth and development can be slowed down. Children with zinc deficiency may experience slower growth in height and weight, or poorer physical development compared to their age.